PDHPE CORE 1 - Dimensions of Health

• The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being."
• Ottawa Charter


  • Effective health promotion framework
  • Developing personal skills
  • Creating supportive environments
  • Strengthening community action
  • Reorienting health services
  • Building healthy public policy
• Developing Personal Skills


  1. Individuals must develop their personal skills and abilities to make positive behaviour changes

  2. E.g. Compulsory PDHPE (Kindergarten - Year 10), Brochures in doctors waiting room, English speaking classes for new immigrants
• Creating Supportive Environments


  1. Environments impact health significantly

  2. Supportive environments aim to care for community members and their environment

  3. E.g. Outdoor shaded areas in schools, modified sports for younger children, needle exchange programs, counsellors in schools
• Strengthening Community Action


  1. Communities take action for health improvements

  2. Communities make decisions, plan, and implement strategies for better health

  3. E.g. Youth drop-in centres, community events like Clean up Australia Day, City 2 Surf, Family planning/sexual health clinics
• Reorienting Health Services


  1. Health services need to be specific to the population's needs

  2. Varied to address the diversity of health issues faced by the population

  3. E.g. Cervical cancer vaccinations in schools, Booze buses - RBT, BP checks in shopping centres, increased funding for research, Banana Boat giving out free sunblock at the beach during summer
• Building Healthy Public Policy

  1. Governments, organisations, workplaces, and schools implement policies for good health

  2. E.g. OHS legislation, age restrictions on drinking, licensing schemes, compulsory third party car insurance, no smoking laws
• Dr’S BC
• Dead Cats Smell Really Bad
• Ottawa Charter
• 5 Action Areas


  • Developing personal skills
  • Creating supportive environments
  • Reorienting health services
  • Strengthening community action
  • Building healthy public policy
• Dead Cats Really Smell Bad

  1. Developing personal skills

  2. Providing information and education for health

  3. Improving life skills important for the future

  4. Creating supportive environments

  5. Taking care of others and each other

  6. Reorienting health services

  7. Preventing illness and avoiding disease

  8. Strengthening community action

  9. Supporting better health through working together

  10. Building healthy public policy

  11. Developing legislation, fiscal measures, taxation, and organizational change that promotes health

  12. Promoting active transport through pedestrian and cycle-friendly initiatives