Zdravje

Zdravje is the Slovenian term for health. In international terms, it is commonly defined as more than the absence of illness: a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. This definition guides public health and medical practice around the world.

Health is multi-dimensional. Physical health covers body functioning, strength and resilience; mental health covers mood, cognition, and stress management; social well-being includes relationships and community engagement.

Determinants of health are diverse. They include lifestyle choices such as nutrition, exercise, smoking, and alcohol use; genetics; environmental factors like air quality and housing; socioeconomic conditions; education; and access to health care. Public policy and health systems influence these factors.

Measurement and indicators are used to monitor health at population level. Common measures include life expectancy, mortality rates, disease burden (DALYs), healthy life expectancy, mental health metrics, and health literacy. These indicators help identify disparities and set priorities for action.

Prevention and care emphasize promoting health and preventing disease. Key activities include vaccination, screening, primary care, and chronic disease management, supported by equitable access to services. Increasingly, digital health tools and community programs are used to sustain health promotion and improve health outcomes.