DON MARIANO MARCOS MEMORIAL STATE UNIVERSITY

MID LA UNION CAMPUS

College of Education

BEPE 119 - Personal, Community and Environmental Health

PERSONAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Prepared by LHAYE KENGY C. BALACAY

In a world where material possessions are often prioritized, it's essential to

remember that true prosperity lies not in riches, but in maintaining one's most
valuable asset which is health. As the saying goes, 'the greatest wealth is health.' This
means that being healthy is more important than anything else. In this modern world,
where people often focus on making money and chasing prestige, it's important to
remember the value of good health. With this idea in mind, let's explore what it
means to be healthy and how we can achieve it.

OBJECTIVES

At the end of this discussion, you are should be able to:

1. Differentiate between the concepts of health and wellness
2. Explain the significance of wellness in achieving overall health,
3. Identify and describe the dimensions of wellness.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is defined as "a state of
complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of
disease or infirmity (illness)." In contrast, wellness is described by WHO as "the
optimal state of health of individuals and groups," expressed as "a positive
approach to living." Given these definitions the primary difference between health
and wellness is that health is the goal and wellness is the active process of
achieving it. For further understanding, the table below presents additional
comparisons between health and wellness.
HEALTH vs WELLNESS
State of physical, mental, and social well- Active process through which people
being and not merely the absence of disease become aware of, and make choices toward
or infirmity a more successful existence
A state of being A practical way of achieving health
Main aspects are, mental, physical and social Goes a few steps further, emphasizing the
well-being mental, physical, social, as well as
occupational, intellectual, and emotional
well-being.
More related to western medicine More related to complementary and
alternative medicine
Considers mental well-being as being free Focuses on mindfulness and mind training
from stress or other mental diseases as well, in addition to general mental
health
Ultimate goal that can be achieved if a person Results in health
is healthy and free from diseases
 DON MARIANO MARCOS MEMORIAL STATE UNIVERSITY
MID LA UNION CAMPUS
College of Education

BEPE 119 - Personal, Community and Environmental Health

DIMENSIONS OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Wellness comprises eight mutually co-dependence dimensions: emotional,

physical, occupational, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, and financial. If
any one of these dimensions is neglected over time, it will adversely affect one’s
health, well-being, and quality of life. A well-rounded balance of these wellness
dimensions provides holistic harmony to one’s well-being.

1. Social Wellness involves nurturing meaningful relationships with others,

respecting the diversity of individuals and groups, effectively resolving
conflicts, and contributing to the common welfare of the community. It
emphasizes the importance of cultivating positive social connections
characterized by trust, empathy, and mutual support. By embracing diversity
and practicing inclusivity, individuals can foster a sense of belonging and
cooperation within their communities. Conflict resolution skills are essential for
addressing disagreements constructively and preserving relationships.
Additionally, active participation in community activities and initiatives
enables individuals to contribute to the well-being of society, fostering a sense
of social responsibility and collective impact.

2. Physical Wellness involves actively seeking out and adopting healthy and safe
practices in various areas, including exercise, sleep, nutrition, and sexuality.
This entails engaging in regular physical activity to promote fitness, prioritizing
sufficient and restorative sleep for overall well-being, making nutritious dietary
choices to support optimal health, and practicing safe and responsible
behaviors in sexual activities. Additionally, physical wellness encompasses
embracing self-care behaviors that contribute to thriving and help prevent
illness or disease.

3. Emotional Wellness involves a range of practices aimed at understanding and

managing one's emotions effectively. This includes being mindful of and
accepting both one's own feelings and the emotions of others, fostering a sense
of self-esteem and self-worth, and expressing emotions in healthy ways.
Additionally, emotional wellness entails paying attention to and managing
emotions appropriately, such as by practicing self-regulation and coping
strategies. Managing stress is also a crucial aspect of emotional wellness,
involving techniques to mitigate stressors and promote emotional resilience. By
prioritizing emotional well-being and engaging in these practices, individuals
can cultivate greater emotional balance and overall wellness.
 DON MARIANO MARCOS MEMORIAL STATE UNIVERSITY
MID LA UNION CAMPUS
College of Education

BEPE 119 - Personal, Community and Environmental Health

4. Career or Vocational Wellness involves various aspects related to work and

professional development. This includes preparing for and pursuing careers that
align with one's interests, values, and skills. It also involves finding satisfaction
and fulfillment in one's work, deriving personal enrichment and rewards from
professional endeavors. Additionally, career wellness encompasses the
continuous expansion and evolution of skills, interests, and knowledge
throughout one's life. This may involve seeking out opportunities for learning,
growth, and advancement in the workplace, as well as exploring new avenues
for professional development and self-improvement. By prioritizing career
wellness, individuals can cultivate a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and success
in their professional lives.

5. Intellectual/Creative Wellness encompasses a commitment to personal growth

and lifelong learning. It involves actively seeking opportunities to expand
knowledge, skills, and understanding while maintaining a curious and open
mindset. Embracing intellectual challenges with positivity fosters resilience and
adaptability in the face of new ideas and concepts. Additionally, intellectual
wellness involves recognizing and appreciating the value of sharing one's gifts
and insights with others, contributing to the enrichment of both oneself and
the community. By prioritizing intellectual wellness, individuals can cultivate a
sense of fulfillment and purpose in their pursuit of knowledge and personal
development.

6. Financial Welness encompasses various aspects of managing and maintaining

one's financial resources in a healthy and balanced manner. This includes
obtaining, managing, and effectively allocating finances to meet both short-
term and long-term financial goals. It involves responsible budgeting practices,
paying bills on time, and making informed financial decisions. Additionally,
financial wellness entails cultivating a healthy relationship with money, which
involves understanding one's financial values, priorities, and behaviors. By
practicing sound financial habits and maintaining a positive attitude towards
money, individuals can achieve greater financial stability, security, and overall
well-being.

7. Environmental Wellness involves recognizing the impact of your surroundings

on your health and well-being, including social, natural, and built
environments. This entails being mindful of the interconnectedness between
human activities and the stability of the earth, and understanding how your
daily habits influence the physical environment. By demonstrating a
commitment to promoting a healthy planet, individuals can contribute to
 DON MARIANO MARCOS MEMORIAL STATE UNIVERSITY
MID LA UNION CAMPUS
College of Education

BEPE 119 - Personal, Community and Environmental Health

environmental sustainability and foster a sense of responsibility towards

protecting and preserving the natural world.

8. Spiritual Wellness entails discovering purpose, value, and meaning in life,

irrespective of organized religion. It involves engaging in activities that
resonate with one's beliefs and values, fostering a sense of inner peace and
fulfillment. By nurturing spiritual well-being, individuals can cultivate a deeper
connection to themselves, others, and the world around them, leading to a
more meaningful and purposeful existence.

Navigating the path to health and well-being can be a tough journey.

Despite knowing what's best for us and how to improve, we often struggle to
make the right choices. Even when we do take positive steps, we might find
ourselves slipping back into old habits. However, let's not forget the wisdom in
the quote, "It's never too early or too late to work towards being the healthiest
you." This reminder encourages us to keep pushing forward, even when the
road gets tough. Every effort we make to prioritize our health, no matter how
small, brings us closer to living our best lives. So, let's continue making mindful
choices and embracing the journey towards better health and well-being, one
step at a time.

Let’s Try

Direction: Choose the letter of the best answer.

1. What is the primary goal of health and wellness?

a) To achieve financial stability
b) To attain complete physical, mental, and social well-being
c) To excel in one's career
d) To accumulate material possessions

2. How does the World Health Organization (WHO) define health?

a) As the absence of disease or illness
b) As a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being
c) As the ability to earn a high income
d) As physical fitness and strength

3. According to WHO, what is wellness?

a) The ability to achieve financial success
b) The pursuit of material wealth
 DON MARIANO MARCOS MEMORIAL STATE UNIVERSITY
MID LA UNION CAMPUS
College of Education

BEPE 119 - Personal, Community and Environmental Health

c)The absence of stress and anxiety

d) The optimal state of health of individuals and groups

4. What is the key difference between health and wellness?

a) Health is about physical well-being, while wellness is about mental well-
being.
b) Health is a state of being, while wellness is an active process.
c) Health focuses on illness prevention, while wellness focuses on illness
treatment.
d) Health is the absence of disease, while wellness is the presence of disease.

5. How many dimensions does wellness encompass?

a) Five
b) Six
c) Seven
d) Eight

6. Which dimension of wellness involves pursuing healthy practices in areas such

as exercise, sleep, and nutrition?
a) Physical wellness
b) Emotional wellness
c) Social wellness
d) Intellectual wellness

7. What aspect of wellness focuses on being aware of and accepting one's

feelings?
a) Emotional wellness
b) Spiritual wellness
c) Intellectual wellness
d) Environmental wellness

8. Which dimension of wellness involves finding purpose, value, and meaning in

life?
a) Financial wellness
b) Occupational wellness
c) Spiritual wellness
d) Intellectual wellness

9. What dimension of wellness pertains to understanding how surroundings

affect health and well-being?
a) Physical wellness
 DON MARIANO MARCOS MEMORIAL STATE UNIVERSITY
MID LA UNION CAMPUS
College of Education

BEPE 119 - Personal, Community and Environmental Health

b) Environmental wellness
c) Spiritual wellness
d) Occupational wellness

10. Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between
health and wellness?
a) Health is the absence of disease, while wellness is a proactive approach to
well-being.
b) Health is a goal, while wellness is a continuous journey towards optimal
well-being.
c) Health and wellness are interchangeable terms with the same meaning.
d) Health focuses on physical well-being, while wellness focuses on mental
well-being.

Answer Key:

1. B
2. B
3. B
4. B
5. D
6. A
7. A
8. C
9. B
10. B

References:

Stoewen, D. L. (2017). Dimensions of wellness: Change your habits, change your life.
The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 58(8), 861-862.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5508938/

Radhakrishnan, R. (2021, January 27). What is Health and Wellness?. MedicineNet.

https://www.medicinenet.com/what_is_health_and_wellness/article.htm

Upen. (2018, November 1). What is the difference between health and Wellness.
Pediaa.Com. https://pediaa.com/what-is-the-difference-between-health-and-
wellness/
 DON MARIANO MARCOS MEMORIAL STATE UNIVERSITY
MID LA UNION CAMPUS
College of Education

BEPE 119 - Personal, Community and Environmental Health