Health Models | Health

Health Models

Aaron Antonowski presented a controversy on the risk factor model with his salutogenesis model. He dissolved the existing boundary between being healthy and sick and created a health-disease continuum. The transition between health and illness is fluid.

A person’s condition is thus on a line where he is either more healthy or more ill. The position of each individual on this health-disease continuum depends on individual assessment, ability to act in everyday situations, prognoses and expert opinions. Thus, it is not a matter of eliminating disease-promoting risk factors, but of health-preserving protective factors.

The core question is thus not, how do I not become ill, but how do I remain healthy? In the foreground of the risk factor model is the question of disease prevention. After this model there are no healthy humans, but only ill and less ill humans.

This model is divided into risk and protective factors. In the physiological area, overweight, lack of exercise, smoking, etc. are the most important factors.

Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The protective factors would therefore be sufficient exercise, ideal weight, etc. To prevent the risk of a heart attack, all risk factors must be eliminated.

Fitness

The term fitness must not and cannot be equated with the term health. Fitness is only one part of health and only refers to the physiological aspect. Within fitness, a distinction is made between two areas.

On the one hand, the term fitness can be interpreted in a sports-oriented way. Sport-specific aspects, such as willingness to perform and competitive ability are in the foreground. The risk of strain damage or long-term wear and tear is accepted.Anaerobic endurance, speed, maximum strength, explosive strength and explosive power are included in addition to the forms of health-oriented fitness. The health-oriented form of fitness is based on all aspects of promoting and maintaining health. Aerobic endurance training (see below), strength endurance, optimal mobility and the ability to relax are in the foreground.