Health comes in multiple layers.

When we think of health, many of us tend to envision a singular, idealistic way of being—often characterised by physical fitness, a balanced diet, and the absence of illness. However, in actual fact, health is a multifaceted concept that can manifest in various forms (covered in another post) and layers, each contributing uniquely to our overall well-being. The understanding of health extends beyond just the individual; it encompasses a broader spectrum that includes social, environmental, and systemic factors.

In this post, I intend to explore the different layers of health which can be categorised into several interconnected domains, each playing a crucial role in shaping our personal health experiences. These layers include:

Individual Health

At the core of health is individual health, which refers to the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of a person. This layer encompasses aspects such as nutrition, exercise, mental health, and the management of chronic conditions. Individual health is influenced by personal choices, genetics, and access to healthcare resources. It is essential for individuals to cultivate habits that promote their well-being, as this foundational layer significantly impacts all other health dimensions and may potentially be the layer that is most easily influenced.

Family and Friends Health

The next layer involves the health of our family and friends, which plays a pivotal role in our own health outcomes. The support systems we have in place can affect our mental and emotional health, as well as our motivation to maintain healthy lifestyles. Strong relationships can lead to better health practices, while toxic relationships can contribute to stress and poor health. The dynamics within families and friendships can create environments that either foster health or exacerbate health challenges.

Workplace Health

Workplace health is another crucial layer that significantly influences our overall well-being. The environment in which we work, including the culture, stress levels, and availability of wellness programmes, can affect both physical and mental health. A supportive workplace can enhance job satisfaction and promote a healthier lifestyle, while a toxic work environment can lead to burnout, anxiety, and various health issues. Employers and employees alike must prioritise workplace health initiatives to create a thriving workforce.

Community/Society Health

Community and societal health encompass the collective health of the populations we belong to, including your surrounding neighbourhood and further afield. This layer involves living in harmony, access to healthcare services, public health initiatives, and the availability of resources such as parks, recreational facilities, and healthy food options. Communities that prioritise health through policies and programmes can foster an environment that encourages healthy behaviours and reduces health issues. Social factors of health, such as income, education, and social support, also play a critical role in shaping community health outcomes.

Environmental Health

Environmental health is an essential layer that focuses on the interactions between people and their environment. Factors such as air and water quality, exposure to pollutants, and access to green spaces can significantly impact health outcomes. A healthy environment fosters physical well-being and is crucial for preventing diseases. Efforts to promote environmental health include advocating for cleaner air and water, sustainable practices, and policies that protect natural resources, all of which contribute to the overall health of individuals and communities.

Country Health

Moving up to the national level, country health encompasses the health policies, regulations, and systems that govern healthcare access and quality. It includes the overall health statistics of a nation, such as life expectancy, disease prevalence, and healthcare expenditure. Countries that prioritise public health initiatives and fair access to healthcare can enhance the health of their populations. National health strategies should address health inequalities and ensure that individuals have the opportunity to achieve optimal health.

International Health

Finally, international health encompasses the global health landscape, which includes issues that go beyond national boundaries, such as pandemics, climates, and environmental wellbeings. Global health initiatives aim to address these challenges through international cooperation and collaboration. The health of our planet directly affects human health, as environmental degradation can lead to health crises. Efforts to promote planetary health are essential for ensuring the well-being of current and future generations.

Conclusion

All of the above layers of health are interconnected and have a major impact on our personal health. Understanding health as a multi-layered concept allows us to appreciate the various influences that shape our well-being, encouraging a more holistic approach to health that considers individual, social, and environmental factors. By recognising and addressing these layers, we can work towards achieving better health outcomes for ourselves and our communities. Bear in mind that achieving a state of health isn't always a straight line towards a clearly visible goal. Instead, it can be an evolving and continously moving path towards a shifting set of goals that requires regular reassessing and adjustments.