Health promotion is described by the World Health Organization as "the science and art of helping people change their lifestyle to move toward a state of optimal health." Optimal health is defined as a balance of physical, emotion, social, spiritual and intellectual health. Lifestyle change can be made easier through a combination of efforts to increase knowledge, change behavior and create environments that support good health practices. (M. O'Donnell, 1989)
This information is provided by the Division of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention within the Department of Public Health.
The MDPH encourages the use evidence-based health promotion; identifying effective interventions built on research findings and applying them to improve the health and well-being of individuals, groups, or communities.
The Healthy Aging and Disability Unit is a statewide leader for several evidence-based health promotion programs, including My Life, My Health Chronic Disease Self-Management, Matter of Balance: Falls Prevention, and Healthy Eating for Successful living in Older Adults.
This information is provided by the Division of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention within the Department of Public Health.