Chapter 3

Health- a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, not the absence of 

disease or infirmity

Illness- the unique response of a person to a disease; an abnormal process involving 

changed level of functioning

Wellness- an active state of being healthy by living a lifestyle promoting good physical, 

mental and emotional health

Acute Illness- has a rapid onset of symptoms and lasts only a short time

*Pain is most significant symptom— if needed, treatment resolves issue

Ex/ appendicitis, pneumonia, diarrhea, common cold

Chronic Illness- slow onset and may have periods of remission; irreversible 

altercation that requires long period of care

Ex/ diabetes mellitus, lung disease, arthritis, lupus

Stages of Illness Behavior

• Experiencing symptoms- ex/pain,fever,rash

• Assuming the sick role- defining yourself as sick

• Assuming a dependent role- complying with treatment plan

• Achieving recovery and rehabilitation – giving up dependent role

Dimensions Affecting Health

-Physical- genetic inheritance, age, developmental level, race and gender

-Emotional- how the mind affects the body

-Intellectual- cognitive abilities, educational background

-Environmental- housing; sanitation; pollution; food

-Sociocultural- economic level, lifestyle

-Spiritual- beliefs and values

Health Promotion

Primary- directed toward promoting health and preventing the development of disease 

processes or injury

Ex/ immunization clinics, family planning services, accident-prevention 

education

Secondary- focus on screening for early detection of disease with prompt diagnosis 

and treatment of any found

Ex/ assessing children for normal growth and development

Tertiary- begins after an illness is diagnosed and treated with the goal of reducing 

disability and helping rehabilitate patients to a maximum level of functioning

Ex/ coaching a diabetic through treatment and preventing complications