Helbred

Helbred is a term used in Danish, Norwegian, and related Scandinavian languages to denote health—the overall condition of a person or population. In a broad sense, helbred encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The World Health Organization’s definition of health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being has shaped modern understandings of helbred in public discourse and policy.

Health encompasses physical capacity, bodily functioning, and disease prevention; it also includes mental well-being, emotional balance, and resilience; and it covers social aspects such as relationships, inclusion, and the ability to participate in community life.

Helbred is determined by a complex set of factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices (nutrition, physical activity, tobacco and alcohol use), environmental exposures, access to healthcare, education, and socioeconomic status. These determinants interact across the life course, from prenatal health to old age.

Public health measures use indicators such as life expectancy, years lived with disability (YLD), disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and health-related quality of life to monitor helbred. Health policy aims to prevent disease, promote healthy behaviors, ensure access to care, and address social determinants to improve population well-being.

In everyday language, helbred often refers to one’s overall vitality or sense of well-being. In official contexts, the term is used to discuss population health, health services, and health promotion.