SELECTED BASIC DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH AND THEIR IMPORTANCE

Abstract

The environment, both natural and man-made, is one of the factors that affect human health and well-being (so-called environmental health). We are breathing in air, drinking water, eating food, while changes in weather affect us. We are subject to the conditions in which we work and live, even the products we use on daily basis influence our health. The relationship between the environment and health is a complex interaction of these factors in the environment where the individual lives. Exposing a human to pollutants from the environment can trigger the onset of diseases, most often chronic, which unnecessarily deprive an individual of years spent in health and well-being. These factors cannot only be influenced by health policy itself. Co-ordinated cross-sectoral measures, joint strategies, initiatives whose joint penetration can provide adequate solutions to environmental health problems are needed. There is, therefore, a reason to believe that if an interdepartmental approach is used to address the issue, attention will be focused on health through relationship and environmental considerations, efforts and work to protect the environment will be better understood and given a higher social priority.