Theories of health- On the eve of Platinum Jubilee celebration of WHO

 

All down the ages, people use different concepts to explain health issues which is popularly known as the Theories of health. In the ancient age, the influence of the evil spirit, witchcraft, and the wrath of a vengeful God, was treated to be the cause. Ancient Greeks and medieval Europeans treated it due to the possible imbalance of Phlegm, choler, or yellow bile, blood, and black bile. Subsequently, the theory of contagion for the leper and other skin diseases came into focus. Till 1800, cancer and mental health were treated to be contagious. 

Up to the mid of 19th century, miasma theory continued which explains that diseases grow out of rotting organic matter which was supported by malaria. The germ theory was very ancient and couldn't dominate till the discovery of microscopic organisms. In the late 19th century Henle-Koch postulated metabolism, hormones biochemical causes of diseases. Sigmund Freud explained mental, emotional and emotional personality with the health of human beings. 

Environmental pollution both by human beings and natural has created many types of virus in the air causing pandemics like CORONA and many more virus-caused diseases. The emotional imbalance caused has provoked them to take tobacco, alcohol, and other addictives causing recurring illnesses. 

The definition of health has gone beyond the mere absence of diseases to a complete well-being of an individual. The definition is given by WHO on 7th October 2011 as "A state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity". The three dimensions of the definition constitute (1) the absence of diseases or impairment (2) a state that allows the individual to adequately cope with all demands of daily life (including the absence of disease and impairment). (3) a state of balance and equilibrium that an individual has established within himself and his social and physical environment.  

From a handful of imaginary witches to its social and physical environment- the base is getting wider and wider involving more and more people in it in varieties of ways. So the solution only lies with us. What is required is an attitude of honesty in everything we do and think.  

 

 Dr. Minakshi Panda,

Retd. Prof. of Political Science,

Chairman, PECUC

Sports can be a powerful means of promoting positive change among children and youth

 Sports can be an effective way to promote the physical, mental, and social well-being of children and youth, and can play a key role in helping them lead a stress-free life. Sports can be a powerful tool for promoting positive behavioural change among children and youth. Through participation in sports, young people can develop important social skills such as teamwork, communication, and respect, which can help to promote positive behaviour both on and off the field. Sports can be a powerful tool for promoting positive change among children and youth. By providing opportunities for physical activity, team building, and skill development, sports can help young people build confidence, develop important social skills, and promote healthy lifestyles.

Furthermore, sports can be a way to teach important life skills such as goal-setting, problem-solving, and decision-making, which can help young people develop the self-discipline and self-control necessary to make positive choices in their lives. In addition, sports can provide a positive outlet for young people to channel their energy and emotions, helping to reduce the risk of engaging in negative or risky behaviours such as substance abuse or delinquency.Sports can also be a way to promote positive values such as fair play, respect, and tolerance, which can have a lasting impact on young people's attitudes and behaviours. By providing opportunities to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds, sports can help young people develop empathy and understanding for others, which can help promote positive relationships and reduce the risk of engaging in negative behaviours such as bullying or discrimination. Sports can be used to promote gender equality by providing girls and young women with opportunities to participate in sports and develop leadership skills. Sports can also be used to promote peace and reconciliation by bringing together youth from different backgrounds and promoting understanding and respect.

Participation in sports can also have a positive impact on academic performance, as it has been shown to improve concentration, focus, and cognitive function ,can provide a healthy outlet for managing stress and emotions, as well as a means of building resilience and coping skills. By participating in sports, children and youth can learn how to handle challenges, setbacks, and pressure in a healthy and productive way, which can have a positive impact on their overall well-being.

 The International Day of Sports for Development and Peace is celebrated every year on April 6th, as declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013. The International Day of Sports for Development and Peace is a day to celebrate the power of sport as a tool for social change, and to raise awareness of the role that sport can play in promoting sustainable development, peace, education, and health.

Sports can bring people together across cultural and social boundaries and help foster understanding, tolerance, and respect. They can also provide a platform for addressing important issues such as health, education, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. sports can be a social activity, providing opportunities for social interaction and support, that can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, particularly during times of stress or hardship. By being part of a sports team or community, children and youth can develop a sense of belonging and connectedness, which can be particularly important during adolescence when peer relationships are so important.

Anuradha Mohanty

Executive Director ,PECUC

Anuradhabbsr2015@gmail.com

Sexual and Reproductive Health& Rights - An essential tool for women empowerment

 

Women from the earliest ages have been denied their basic rights. Their position in society has always remained secondary to men. Society and its various norms and conditions have always despised and discriminated against women. Though in India women have always been glorified as mother, wife, and daughter, in reality, they have been denied the most basic right, which is to even decide about their own lives. With the change of time, the situation is changing, and the introduction of Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5, - Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, has raised some hope for a better future for women and girls. Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but also a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. There has been progress over the last decades; women and girls are now entering a newer phase of development where they have the right and freedom to choose their own course of life. Their participation in socio-economic spheres has also been increasing gradually and paving the way for a better tomorrow.

SRHR are essential for women’s empowerment and freedom of choice in terms of their sexual and reproductive health. SRHR grants women the right to make informed decisions about their bodies, sexual health and reproduction. This includes the right to access comprehensive and quality healthcare services, the right to seek advice and information without fear of discrimination, and the right to make decisions about sexual and reproductive health without interference. SRHR also includes the right to access contraception and family planning services, safe and legal abortion services, and the right to access sexual and reproductive health services without fear of being denied due to age, gender, or marital status.

SRHR can also help reduce gender-based violence and discrimination, and promote gender equity. SRHR can also help reduce poverty and improve the health and well-being of women and girls. By granting women the right to make their own decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, they are empowered to make informed choices and take control of their lives. SRHR also helps to ensure that women are provided with access to the care they need, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and post-care services. In addition, SRHR can help reduce maternal mortality and morbidity.

Judging from the benefits of SRH rights, it can be considered an important tool for bringing freedom and justice to women by breaking the age old traditions of slavery, discrimination, violence, and negligence. In the words of famous thinker, philosopher, and spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda, "There is no chance of the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved. It is not possible for a bird to fly on one wing". The development of women plays a very crucial role in the development of a nation. Giving them equal opportunity like their male counterparts will be beneficial for the families to prosper, society to develop, and the nation to progress. In one generation, the whole world will benefit from the development of half of its population.

 

Dr. Sumitra Mohanty,

Coordinator, Research, Documentation and Communication Dept., PECUC