Health, Health Preservation and Health-Preserving Competency in the Context of Ukrainian and Foreign Scholars’ Views

Abstract The article deals with theoretical and historical analysis of Ukrainian and foreign scholars’ views on such concepts as “health”, “health preservation” and “health preserving competency”. It is specified that the problem of health is considered by medical specialists, philosophers, sociologists, psychologists, teachers and, thus, is covered in many sociological, philosophical, educational, sociological and medical studies. It is found that this problem became particularly topical in the second half of the 20th century. Based on the analysis of educational researches and practical experience of scholars from many countries, it is clarified that there is a growing interest in the issues related to health and health preservation. The requirements for fostering and strengthening health have significantly increased, too. However, there is no clear definition of this concept. This is caused, first of all, by lack of generally accepted understanding of health preservation. Secondly, theoretical and pedagogical principles and methodological and technological aspects of health preservation are insufficiently developed. Thirdly, there are no scientific and practical recommendations and methods of fostering health preservation. The meaning of this concept has gradually changed, since at different times, in different cultures, the definition of health and its derivatives differ substantially. Nowadays, life and health are defined as the highest human values. They indicate civilization, which characterizes a general level of socioeconomic development of society and serves as the main criterion of expediency and efficiency of all, without exception, fields of state policy. It is concluded that health preserving space, as a field of activity, is a specially organized system aimed at achieving the goal of professional activity through ensuring preservation and restoration of its participants’ health.