Look at a picture that depicts the Health Triangle. You will notice that it is represented by an equilateral triangle. In this type of triangle, all sides are the same length, and each angle is equal to 60 degrees. Each side of the triangle represents a different aspect of health. One side represents mental health, another pertains to social health, and the third signifies physical health. There's a reason why the creators did not use a scalene or isosceles triangle, whose sides have different lengths and angles. By making all sides equal, they are stressing the point that each aspect of health is of equal importance.
History of the Health Triangle
The Health Triangle was the brainchild of the students of the Tanana Middle School in Fairbanks, Alaska. In 1997, 120 eighth-grade students were asked to complete essays about what they believed to be the most pertinent health issues for other eighth graders in their district. One hour of school time each day was devoted to research. The project was completed within 10 days. Eventually, the students narrowed their subject matter down to three areas of study: physical health, mental health and social health.
The Basic Premise of the Health Triangle
To understand the basic premise of the Health Triangle, look at the interdependency, interrelatedness and interaction of its three sides. Physical health can either be directly or indirectly related to mental health, and social health has a profound influence on both mental and physical health. For example, mental stress can cause various health problems such as high blood pressure. However, social contact with friends might relieve stress. Likewise, improper eating habits can cause low blood sugar, which can lead to irritability. Not only does this affect mental health; it can cause you to become socially isolated.
The Physical Health Side of the Triangle
Physical health is influenced by the food you eat, the amount of exercise you get, your sleep patterns and your oral hygiene. Avoiding alcohol and drug abuse are crucial to physical health.
Mental Health
Mental health pertains to the way we manage stress and depression. When evaluating someone's mental health, we need to look at the way they cope with the problems of daily life, and the way they relate to their friends and family.
Social Health
A person's social health is evaluated by the way they relate to other people. A strong network of friends, and the ability to function in social situations is crucial to social health.
Tags: Health Triangle, mental health, social health, aspect health, health social, health social health, mental health social