Health Beliefs and Behaviors: Basic Logic of Health and Ilness

The basic logic of health and illness consists of prevention (avoiding inappropriate behavior that leads to imbalance) and curing (restoring balance); it is a system oriented to moderation. Parallel to this holistic belief system is the understanding of modern medicine with its own basic logic and principles for treating certain types of diseases. These two systems co-exist, and Filipino older adults use a dual system of health care (Anderson, 1983; Mc Bride, 2006; Miranda, Mc Bride & Spangler, 1999).