The critical question: what does health mean to individuals? is the first for Better Health for Individuals. What does health mean to individuals? introduces you to health. In this critical question you will cover three (3) dot points:

• Meanings Of Health
• Perceptions Of Health
• Health Behaviours Of Young People

These three (3) dot points begin by introducing both objective and subjective views of health. You will learn how health can be both relative and dynamic and view health as consisting of five (5) dimensions (physical, social, spiritual, mental, and emotional).

You will also gain a deeper appreciation for how you and others view the health of people around you. Importantly you will get an insight into how perceptions of health are socially constructed and discuss the impact the media, peer and family have on our perceptions of health.

Finally, what does health mean to individuals? discusses the health behaviours of young people. You begin here by looking at the current health status of young people before looking more closely at the protective and risk behaviours of such people in relation to their health. Here you should cover issues and topics such as: healthy eating, body image, physical activity, the use of drugs, mental health, sexual health, and road safety.

As you cover what does health mean to individuals? you will be required to examine the dynamics of health as well as perceptions of health. You will be forced to ask questions such as “how healthy am I?” and “How does an individuals circumstances affect their health?”. You will have to make judgements concerning the degree to which perceptions of health are socially constructed and explore current research around particular health behaviours in young people. Finally you will be asked to identify protective and risk behaviours and predict the impact of these behaviours, when combined, upon health.