A holistic approach to health education is presented with a model outlining the scope, direction and impact of such education on individual development. The fundamental concept in this model is the interrelationship between physical, mental, and spiritual health, and it expands from these three areas into dimensions that may and may not be altered by health educators. Consideration is given to external factors having an impact on personal health, such as physical and social environment, and also to internal factors such as heredity, experience and personal values. The possibility of unifying considerations of the total human potential and environment to create an effective approach to health education is discussed. (JD)