How can health promotion be defined?

Health promotion is best defined as enabling control over health improvement because it encompasses a process that encourages individuals and communities to take charge of their health by making informed decisions, engaging in healthy behaviors, and adopting a proactive approach to wellness. This definition emphasizes empowerment and self-efficacy, enabling people to understand the factors that influence their health and giving them the tools and knowledge necessary to make positive changes.

In this framework, health promotion is not just reactive but rather proactive, involving strategies that address the social, environmental, and personal factors affecting health. It extends beyond merely providing information or focusing exclusively on preventing diseases; instead, it promotes an overall approach to enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities. By focusing on enabling control, health promotion supports sustained healthy behaviors and better health outcomes over time.