Author Description

This discussion paper has been developed in response to requests for information on what influences and determines health, and is a reflection of what influences health as determined from discussions with people and organisations in Saskatchewan, from consultations with experts, and from literature research. The paper discusses health determinants in three broad categories: social environment, including family and communities, class and social status, work environment, leisure activities, childhood experiences, and health care; physical environment, both natural and man-made; and individual characteristics, such as behaviours, mental hardiness, spiritual well-being, personal values, and genetic/biological characteristics. Each section of the paper contains a series of questions to provoke discussion and comment, and the paper ends with a list of discussion questions to increase understanding of our health, community health, and the health of others.