What are Health & Well-Being?

World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being; not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The illness-wellness continuum views wellness as a process rather than a static state. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention goes beyond statistics when considering an individual’s health-related quality of life, and focuses on the effects health status has on quality of life and overall well-being. It considers well-being as what people think and feel about their lives, including relationships, positive emotions, meeting their potential, and overall satisfaction with life. Personal Health Planning applies a whole-person, holistic approach, which considers more than vital statistics, but also the body, mind, spirit, and community, and how these entities are interwoven.

The Wheel of Health (WOH), developed by Duke Health and Well-Being, is a visual representation of the many components that comprise an individual’s whole-person health and well-being. There are two foundational components, mindful awareness, and community. These two components are the basis for connection with the other core components, physical environment, nutrition & lifestyle, mental & emotional well-being, fulfillment & purpose, physical activity & fitness, and sleep & rest. All of these components are interconnected. When one component is off balance, the other components are affected, making health a constant balancing act. This is where a health and well-being coach can provide support with personal health planning.

Be well,

Sarah