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Health of Canadians - Understanding Health and Determinants of Health

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How Do You Define Health? Social Determinants of Health: The Canadian Facts. The Canadian Facts 2nd ed. The Canadian Facts. Health Promotion in Canada: Critical Perspectives on Practice. WHO Definition of Health. What is the WHO definition of health?

WHO Definition of Health

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The bibliographic citation for this definition is: Preamble to the Constitution of WHO as adopted by the International Health Conference, New York, 19 June - 22 July 1946; signed on 22 July 1946 by the representatives of 61 States (Official Records of WHO, no. 2, p. 100) and entered into force on 7 April 1948. The definition has not been amended since 1948. Learn more about our mission Publications: where can I find information on WHO publications?

The Commission on Social Determinants of Health - what, why and how? Building on Values: The Future of Healthcare in Canada. Health Indicators e-Publication. Health indicators. A health indicator is a measure designed to summarize information about a given priority topic in population health or health system performance.

Health indicators

Health indicators provide comparable and actionable information across different geographic, organizational or administrative boundaries and/or can track progress over time. Health indicators support provinces/territories, regional health authorities and institutions as they monitor the health of their populations and track how well their local health systems function. They help in monitoring key performance dimensions described in the Health System Performance Measurement Framework, which provides a common approach for managing health system performance across the country.

Social determinants of health and health inequalities. Determinants of health are the broad range of personal, social, economic and environmental factors that determine individual and population health.

Social determinants of health and health inequalities

The main determinants of health include: Income and social statusEmployment and working conditionsEducation and literacyChildhood experiencesPhysical environmentsSocial supports and coping skillsHealthy behavioursAccess to health servicesBiology and genetic endowmentGenderCultureRace / Racism Social determinants of health refer to a specific group of social and economic factors within the broader determinants of health. These relate to an individual's place in society, such as income, education or employment. Canadian Reference Group on Social Determinants of Health (CRG)

CCSDH.