Terviseedendav

Terviseedendav is an Estonian adjective meaning health-promoting, used to describe actions, programs, environments, or policies that aim to improve or maintain people’s health and prevent disease. The word is formed from tervise (health) and edendav (promoting). In public health and related fields, it occurs in phrases such as terviseedendav tegevus (health-promoting activity), terviseedendav koolitus (health-promotion training), and terviseedendav eluviis (health-promoting lifestyle).

In practice, terviseedendav approaches are holistic, addressing physical, mental, and social well-being rather than focusing on treatment alone. They are applied in schools, workplaces, communities, and healthcare settings. Common examples include programs to increase physical activity, improve nutrition, reduce tobacco and alcohol use, promote vaccination where appropriate, and raise mental health awareness. The concept aligns with international health-promotion frameworks, notably the World Health Organization’s emphasis on enabling people to increase control over their health.

Etymologically, terviseedendav reflects Estonian public health language that favors preventive and promotive strategies. In policy and education contexts, it is used interchangeably with tervise edendamine (health promotion) or health-promotion initiatives, though the exact wording can vary by document or program.

Related terms include tervise edendamine, ennetus (prevention), and tervishoid (health care).