Chapter 1: CONCEPT OF HEALTH, NEED, IMPORTANCE AND RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HEALTH AND EDUCATION
Note for the Student-Teacher:
As future primary school teachers (Grades 1–5), your role extends beyond
teaching subjects. You are nurturers of children’s holistic development. This
chapter will help you understand health in its broadest sense, so you can guide
your students towards a healthy, balanced life. Let’s begin this journey of
learning and unlearning.
1.1 CONCEPT OF HEALTH
Health is not just “not being sick.” It is a positive state
of well-being where a person functions effectively, feels happy, and
contributes to society. The old English word “hal” from which ‘health’ is
derived means whole, safe, or sound. This tells us that health is
about wholeness — of body, mind, and spirit.
Think of a child in your class:
- Can
she run and play without getting tired easily? (Physical health)
- Is
she cheerful, curious, and able to make friends? (Mental and social
health)
- Does
she feel secure and express herself freely? (Emotional health)
If yes, she is healthy in the true sense.
In simple words: Health is the capacity to live
fully, learn effectively, and interact positively with the world.
1.1.1 Definitions of Health
Different experts and organizations have defined health.
Let’s look at a few key definitions:
- World
Health Organization (WHO), 1948:
“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
→ This is the most widely accepted definition. It tells us health is multi-dimensional. - Webster’s
Dictionary:
“Health is the condition of being sound in body, mind or spirit, especially freedom from physical disease or pain.”
→ Highlights being sound or whole. - Oxford
English Dictionary:
“Health means soundness of body or mind; that condition in which its functions are duly and efficiently discharged.”
→ Emphasizes efficient functioning. - J.E.
Park:
“Health is the quality of life that enables the individual to live most and to serve best.”
→ Links health to productivity and service.
For a primary teacher’s understanding:
A healthy child is one who:
- Has
energy to play and study.
- Is
emotionally balanced (not overly fearful, angry, or sad).
- Gets
along with classmates and teachers.
- Has a
sense of right and wrong (value-based living).
1.1.2 Factors Influencing Health
A child’s health is shaped by multiple factors—some within
control, some not. As teachers, understanding these helps us support children
better.
1. Heredity (Genetic Factors)
- Traits
passed from parents to children (like eye color, height, or susceptibility
to certain diseases).
- Examples: Diabetes,
asthma, weak eyesight, or inherited metabolic disorders.
- Teacher’s
Role: Be observant. If a child frequently complains of headaches
or tiredness, it might be a vision or inherited issue. Refer to parents
for medical check-ups.
2. Environment
- Physical:
Air, water, housing, school infrastructure.
- Social:
Family, friends, community.
- Examples: A
child living in a slum with poor sanitation is more prone to infections. A
child from a violent home may be anxious.
- Teacher’s
Role: Ensure classroom is clean, well-ventilated, and emotionally
safe. Promote hygiene habits.
3. Lifestyle & Behavior
- Daily
habits: Sleep, diet, physical activity, screen time, substance use (in
older children/adults).
- Examples: A
child skipping breakfast may lack concentration. A child addicted to
mobile games may have poor sleep.
- Teacher’s
Role: Educate about balanced routines, encourage outdoor play,
and discuss good habits through stories.
4. Socio-Economic Conditions
- Income,
education, occupation, access to services.
- Examples: A
child from a low-income family may suffer from malnutrition. A literate
mother is more likely to ensure immunization.
- Teacher’s
Role: Be sensitive. Mid-day meals in school are crucial.
Encourage attendance and provide equal opportunities.
5. Health Services
- Availability
and quality of medical care, immunization, school health check-ups.
- Examples: Regular
deworming, eye check-ups, vaccination drives.
- Teacher’s
Role: Coordinate with school health workers, maintain health
records, inform parents about camps.
6. Education
- Literacy,
especially of women/mothers, directly improves child health.
- Example: Kerala’s
high female literacy (86.93%) led to India’s lowest infant mortality rate
(12 compared to national 71 in 1997).
- Teacher’s
Role: You are an agent of change. Educate children; they will
carry health messages home.
1.2 HEALTH EDUCATION: MEANING AND DEFINITIONS
Health Education is not just “teaching health facts.” It is
a process of enabling people to make informed choices for healthier living.
Meaning:
It involves teaching, learning, and motivating people to adopt healthy
behaviors voluntarily.
Key Definitions:
- John
M. Last:
“Health education is the process by which individuals and groups learn to behave in a manner conducive to promotion, maintenance, or restoration of health.” - Lawrence
W. Green (1979):
“Health education is any combination of learning experiences designed to facilitate voluntary actions conducive to health.” - WHO
(1988):
“Health education is the part of health care that is concerned with promoting healthy behaviour.”
In a teacher’s words:
Health Education is helping children:
- Know
what is good for their body and mind.
- Develop
skills to practice healthy habits.
- Want
to stay healthy because they value it.
1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF HEALTH EDUCATION
Aim: To improve quality of life through informed
healthy living.
Objectives:
- To
prevent diseases through awareness (e.g., handwashing to prevent
diarrhea).
- To
promote healthy lifestyles (balanced diet, exercise, sleep).
- To
develop a health-supportive environment (clean school, safe drinking
water).
- To
encourage community participation in health programs.
- To
enable early detection of health problems (regular check-ups).
- To
develop positive attitudes towards health (e.g., “I care for my body”).
- To
educate about substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and personal safety.
- To
foster self-reliance in managing minor health issues (first aid).
- To
inculcate values like cleanliness, empathy, and responsibility.
- To
ensure emotional and mental well-being (stress management, expressing
feelings).
1.4 PRINCIPLES OF HEALTH EDUCATION
For health education to be effective, follow these
principles:
- Credibility: Information
must be scientifically accurate and trusted.
Example: When teaching about vaccination, share facts from doctors, not myths. - Interest: Content
should relate to students’ lives.
Example: While teaching dental care, use a giant toothbrush model or a puppet with teeth. - Participation: Active
involvement ensures better learning.
Example: Let students create “Health Wall Magazines” or role-play visiting a doctor. - Motivation: Inspire
intrinsic desire to be healthy.
Example: Praise a child who reminds others to wash hands. - Reinforcement: Repeat
messages creatively.
Example: Sing a handwashing song daily after lunch break. - Comprehension: Teach
according to age and understanding.
Example: For Grade 1, say “Eat colorful fruits”; for Grade 5, explain vitamins. - Learning
by Doing: Practice makes perfect.
Example: Conduct a “healthy tiffin day” where children bring and share nutritious food. - Setting
an Example: Be a role model.
Example: If you preach “no junk food,” avoid eating chips in front of students. - Good
Relationships & Feedback: Build trust, listen to children’s
queries, and adapt teaching based on their feedback.
1.5 NEED AND IMPORTANCE OF HEALTH EDUCATION
Why is Health Education essential, especially in primary
schools?
- Builds
Foundation for Lifelong Health: Habits formed early last a
lifetime.
Example: Brushing teeth twice a day. - Prevents
Diseases: Knowledge about germs, sanitation, and immunization
reduces illness.
Example: Using handkerchief during sneezing prevents spread of cold. - Promotes
Holistic Development: Covers physical, emotional, social health.
Example: Group games teach teamwork and physical fitness. - Counters
Harmful Influences: Educates against tobacco, drugs, junk food.
Example: Story on a boy who fell sick after daily chips. - Enhances
Learning Capacity: A healthy child attends school regularly and
concentrates better.
- Empowers
for Safety: Teaches first aid, safe touch, road safety.
Example: What to do if someone gets a minor cut. - Fosters
Responsibility: Children learn to care for themselves, others,
and the environment.
Example: Keeping classroom clean. - Supports
National Development: Healthy children grow into productive
adults.
1.6 DIMENSIONS OF HEALTH
Health is like a diamond with multiple facets. All must
shine for true well-being.
|
Dimension |
Meaning |
Example for a Child |
|
Physical |
Efficient body function, fitness, freedom from illness. |
Can run, jump, digest food well, have normal weight. |
|
Mental |
Ability to think clearly, learn, cope with stress. |
Solves puzzles, manages exam stress, positive attitude. |
|
Social |
Ability to form satisfying relationships, respect others. |
Shares toys, makes friends, respects elders. |
|
Emotional |
Understanding and managing emotions appropriately. |
Expresses joy/sadness without aggression, shows empathy. |
|
Spiritual |
Sense of purpose, values, ethics, inner peace. |
Feels connected to nature, knows right from wrong. |
|
Vocational |
Skills and satisfaction in meaningful work (for older
groups). |
For child: takes pride in classroom duties (monitor,
gardening). |
|
Educational |
Health knowledge applied to daily life. |
Uses health rules taught in school at home. |
|
Nutritional |
Balanced diet for growth and immunity. |
Eats fruits, vegetables, pulses; drinks adequate water. |
|
Environmental |
Harmony with surroundings: clean air, water, space. |
Plants trees, avoids littering, conserves water. |
|
Preventive & Curative |
Taking action to prevent illness and seeking treatment
when needed. |
Goes for vaccination, takes medicine if prescribed. |
For Teachers:
A child may be physically strong but emotionally fearful. Your role is to
nurture all dimensions.
1.7 SCOPE OF HEALTH EDUCATION
Health Education covers three broad areas:
1. Healthful School Living
- Creating
a school environment that promotes health.
- Includes: Safe
infrastructure, clean toilets, safe drinking water, balanced timetable,
stress-free atmosphere, positive teacher behavior.
2. School Health Services
- Activities
to appraise, protect, and improve child health.
- Includes: Health
check-ups, immunization, first aid, referral services, mid-day meals,
deworming, health records.
3. Health Instruction
- Formal
and informal teaching of health topics.
- Includes: Lessons
on body systems, hygiene, disease prevention, safety, mental health,
integrated across subjects.
Holistic Approach:
All three areas must work together. For instance, teaching about cleanliness
(instruction) is ineffective if school toilets are dirty (environment).
1.8 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HEALTH AND EDUCATION
Health and Education are like two wheels of a bicycle—both
are needed to move forward.
How Health Affects Education:
- A
healthy child attends school regularly.
- Good
nutrition improves concentration and memory.
- Physical
activity reduces restlessness and enhances focus.
- Emotional
well-being increases participation and creativity.
How Education Affects Health:
- Education
provides knowledge to make healthy choices.
- Literacy
improves access to health information and services.
- School
teaches hygiene, sanitation, disease prevention.
- Education
empowers to resist peer pressure (e.g., saying no to drugs).
For a Primary Teacher:
- Your
health lessons make children better learners.
- Your
caring attitude makes school a safe, healthy space.
- You
are building a healthier future generation.
EXERCISE – Suggested Answers
1. Explain the term “Health”. Describe various factors
influencing health.
Introduction:
Health is a dynamic and multi-dimensional concept central to human well-being
and productivity.
Meaning & Definition:
Health is not merely absence of disease but a state of complete physical,
mental, social, and emotional well-being (WHO). It implies optimal functioning
of body and mind, enabling an individual to lead a socially and economically
productive life.
Factors Influencing Health:
- Heredity: Genetic
traits inherited from parents (e.g., diabetes, color blindness).
- Environment: Physical
(air, water, housing) and social (family, community).
- Lifestyle: Daily
habits related to diet, exercise, sleep, substance use.
- Socio-economic
conditions: Income, education, occupation, access to services.
- Health
services: Availability of medical care, immunization, check-ups.
- Education: Awareness
and ability to make informed health choices.
Conclusion:
Health is shaped by an interplay of factors. As teachers, understanding these
helps in nurturing healthier children and communities.
2. Write down the concept of health in detail.
Introduction:
The concept of health has evolved from a mere biomedical model to a holistic,
positive state of well-being.
Detailed Concept:
- Historical
view: Earlier, health = absence of disease.
- Modern
view: Health includes physical, mental, social, emotional,
spiritual, and environmental well-being.
- Positive
health: Not just being disease-free but having vitality,
resilience, and zest for life.
- Relative
and dynamic: Health varies with age, occupation, and environment;
it changes over time.
- A
resource for living: Health enables personal, social, and
economic development.
- A
fundamental right: Recognized by WHO and the Constitution of
India.
Conclusion:
Understanding health holistically helps in planning effective health promotion
strategies, especially in school settings.
3. What do you understand by health education?
Introduction:
Health Education is a vital component of overall education that focuses on
developing healthy knowledge, attitudes, and practices.
Understanding:
Health Education is a systematic process of imparting knowledge, shaping
attitudes, and developing skills necessary for maintaining and improving
health. It involves:
- Informing
about body functions, diseases, prevention.
- Motivating
to adopt healthy behaviors voluntarily.
- Enabling
to make informed decisions (e.g., choosing nutritious food).
- Promoting
responsibility for self, family, and community health.
Conclusion:
For primary teachers, health education is about empowering children with life
skills for a healthy present and future.
4. Define health education.
Introduction:
Health Education has been defined by various authorities, emphasizing behavior
change and voluntary adoption of healthy practices.
Definitions:
- WHO
(1988): “Health education is the part of health care that is
concerned with promoting healthy behaviour.”
- Lawrence
Green (1979): “Any combination of learning experiences designed
to facilitate voluntary actions conducive to health.”
- John
M. Last: “The process by which individuals and groups learn to
behave in a manner conducive to promotion, maintenance, or restoration of
health.”
Conclusion:
All definitions converge on health education as a planned process to enable
people to take control of their health.
5. What are the basic principles of health education?
Introduction:
Principles of health education guide effective communication and sustainable
behavior change.
Basic Principles:
- Credibility
- Interest
- Participation
- Motivation
- Reinforcement
- Comprehension
- Learning
by doing
- Setting
an example
- Good
human relations and feedback
Conclusion:
Adhering to these principles ensures health education is practical, engaging,
and impactful.
6. Describe the meaning of health education and discuss
its importance.
Introduction:
Health Education bridges knowledge and practice, playing a crucial role in
individual and community well-being.
Meaning:
It is a process of teaching, learning, and motivation aimed at enabling people
to adopt and sustain healthy lifestyles.
Importance:
- Prevents
diseases through awareness.
- Promotes
holistic child development.
- Counters
misinformation and harmful practices.
- Enhances
educational outcomes.
- Builds
a health-conscious society.
- Empowers
for self-care and safety.
- Supports
national health goals.
Conclusion:
Health education is an investment in human capital, essential for sustainable
development.
7. Write down the concept of health.
Introduction:
The concept of health is comprehensive, positive, and central to quality of
life.
Concept:
Health is:
- A
state of complete physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being.
- A
resource for daily living, not just survival.
- Dynamic
and influenced by various factors.
- A
personal and collective responsibility.
- A
fundamental human right.
Conclusion:
Embracing this broad concept enables teachers to foster all-round development
in students.
