16/04/2020
The word “health” refers to a state of complete emotional and physical well-being. In 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) defined health with a phrase that is still used today.
“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” WHO, 1948.
In 1986, the WHO further clarified that health is:
“A resource for everyday life, not the objective of living. Health is a positive concept emphasizing social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities.”
This means that health is a resource to support an individual’s function in wider society. A healthful lifestyle provides the means to lead a full life.
Types
Mental and physical health are the two most commonly discussed types of health. We also talk about “spiritual health,” “emotional health,” and “financial health,” among others. These have also been linked to lower stress levels and mental and physical well-being.
Physical health:
In a person who experiences physical health, bodily functions are working at peak performance, due not only to a lack of disease, but also to regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate rest. We receive treatment, when necessary, to maintain the balance.
Physical wellbeing involves pursuing a healthful lifestyle to decrease the risk of disease. Maintaining physical fitness, for example, can protect and develop the endurance of a person’s breathing and heart function, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition.
Physical health and well-being also help reduce the risk of an injury or health issue. Examples include minimizing hazards in the workplace, practicing safe s*x, practicing good hygiene, or avoiding the use of to***co, alcohol, or illegal drugs.
Mental health:
Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, social, and psychological well-being. Mental health is as important as physical health to a full, active lifestyle.
It is harder to define mental health than physical health, because, in many cases, diagnosis depends on the individual’s perception of their experience. With improvements in testing, however, some signs of some types of mental illness are now becoming “visible” in CT scans and genetic testing.
Mental health is not only the absence of depression, anxiety, or another disorder.
It also depends on the ability to:
enjoy life
bounce back after difficult experiences
achieve balance
adapt to adversity
feel safe and secure
achieve your potential
Factors for good health
1. The social and economic environment
2. The physical environment
3. The person’s characteristics and behaviors
Steps that can help us maximize our health include:
>A balanced, nutritious diet, sourced as naturally as possible
>Regular exercising
>screening for diseases that may present a risk
>Learning to manage stress
>Engaging in activities that provide purpose and connection ] to others
>Maintaining a positive outlook and appreciating what you ]
have
>Defining a value system, and putting it into action
HEALTH IS WEALTH
