Week+One

**What is Health?**
In this context, health is viewed holistically as an interacting system with mental, emotional and physical components. We define health as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity" (WHO 1994).

**What is Social (Public) Health?**
Social Health relates to the well-being of whole populations rather than individuals. Social or Public Health considers the community to be its patient.

Good Social Health aims to prevent disease, illness and injury (rather than treat it), and to protect and promote population health and well being.

Generally, people with the worst health status have low education levels. Illiteracy is associated with poverty, malnutrition and ill health, and in particular, higher rates of infant and child mortality. People with low levels of education are more likely to have lifestyles which lead to chronic illness. This may be exacerbated by a low degree of health literacy, making it difficult to learn and adopt healthy alternatives. People with lower levels of education are more vulnerable in terms of employment and managing change and are also less likely to participate in a local campaign to improve social or environmental conditions. This compares with people with a university education, who are significantly more likely to be involved in their communities, including use of public space, participation in hobbies and sport, attendance at council and public meetings and participation in political campaigns or local action groups. Links: http://www.whatispublichealth.org/

Some Big Questions about the

 * [|How are priority areas for Australia's health identified?]
 * [|What are the priority areas for improving Australia's health?]
 * [|What role does health promotion play in achieving better health for all Australians?]
 * [|What roles do health care facilities and services play in achieving health for all Australians?]
 * [|What actions are needed to address Australia's health priorities?]

****Basic Australian Statistics:****
Australian Demographic Features - http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/nphp/publications/broch/sectn001.htm Timeline of Australian Public Health - http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/nphp/publications/broch/sectn002.htm Structure of Australian's Public Health Today - http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/nphp/publications/broch/sectn003.htm Public Heath Successes - http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/nphp/publications/broch/sectn005.htm

**Key Players in Social Health in Australia:**
Queensland Government Aboriginal Health Fact Sheet****

Act Now http://actnow.com.au/Themes/Health.aspx

World Health Organisation - http://www.who.int/en/
 * Key Players in Social Health in the World:**