Hälsa

Hälsa is a Swedish term for health that is used in medicine, public health and everyday language. In international health discourse it is commonly defined as more than the absence of disease, encompassing physical, mental and social well-being. The World Health Organization defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."

Health comprises several dimensions: physical health includes cardiovascular fitness, metabolic health, nutrition, and absence of chronic illness; mental health covers emotional well-being, stress management, and cognitive function; social health relates to relationships, community participation, and support networks.

Determinants include behavioral factors such as diet, exercise, sleep; biomedical factors such as genetics; environmental factors including air quality and housing; and social determinants such as income, education, employment, and access to health care. These determinants interact with health systems and policies.

Healthcare systems aim to promote health through prevention, screening, vaccination, treatment, and rehabilitation. Public health focuses on population-level interventions, health literacy, and reducing health inequities. Measurement uses indicators like life expectancy, healthy life expectancy, disability-adjusted life years, and self-rated health.

Contemporary challenges include aging populations, rising chronic diseases, health disparities, and the health effects of climate change and urbanization. Digital health, data privacy, and evidence-based practice are increasingly important for maintaining and improving Hälsa.