In accordance with the WHO definition 'health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity' Health is also an ability to perform social functions, adapt to environment changes and cope with these changes.
Health is one of the basic human rights.
Good health of the community is the foundation for sustainable economic development, it is at the same time a way to measure social cohesion and balance. Integrated and multidisciplinary approach to actions for health, covering the whole of living conditions of the citizens, is more successful, demand satisfying and more effective economically than distinct separate actions. Health is improved not only by well organised and accessible medical care but also by the degree of satisfying social needs, among others in the field of housing, friendly environment, land development and access to education and work. Protecting health of the citizens during their lifetime, reducing the occurrence of main causes of illnesses and injuries and relieving the resulting pain are the main aims of the 'Directions of actions for health of Lodz citizens'. The directions of actions for health of the citizens of Lodz have been consulted by most of the Lodz City Council Committees.