Training Room 4
1. Training Room 4
1.2. Page 3
Training Room 4: Public Health
Determinants of Health
Do you remember the 12 determinants of health from Training Room 1? The Public Health Agency of Canada ranks these key determinants according to their impact on health and wellness.
Social and Cultural Effects on Health and Wellness
Search the Internet using the term “Public Health Agency of Canada determinants of health.” Look for information on
- gender
- physical environments
- income and social status
- personal health practices and coping skills
Then compare the Public Health Agency descriptions to the World Health Organization’s Determinants of Health.
clockwise from top left: iStockphoto/Thinkstock, George Doyle/Stockbyte/Thinkstock, iStockphoto/Thinkstock, Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Thinkstock, Hemera/Thinkstock, Jupiterimages/Comstock/Thinkstock
After reading and comparing the two sets of determinants, consider the following questions:
- What effect does gender have on health and wellness? Is there a connection between health and wellness and gender, income, and social status?
- Which determinants would have an impact on someone with a disability? How?
- How would geography or physical environment affect health and wellness? Are there parts of Canada where health and wellness might be negatively affected by location?
- Why would it be important for an individual to take charge of his or her health and wellness and make choices such as practising cleanliness, attending regular medical and dental checkups, and taking personal responsibility to maximize health and wellness through diet and an active lifestyle?
Share your findings with a friend, family member, or classmate. Then post your answers to these questions in the course discussion area assigned by your teacher. You might use the heading “Social and Cultural Determinants.”