What is health?
The word “health” refers to a state of complete emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Healthcare helps people maintain wellness in these vital areas of life.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), healthcare costs in the United States were $3.5 trillion in 2017. Despite this expenditure, Americans have a lower life expectancy than people in other developed countries due to factors like access to healthcare and lifestyle choices.
Good health is crucial for managing stress and living a longer, more active life. This article explains the meaning of good health, the types of health to consider, and how to preserve good health.
What is health?
Regular exercise contributes to good health. The World Health Organization (WHO) defined health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”, in 1948, The WHO stated that health is “a resource for everyday life, not the objective of living,” emphasizing social and personal resources and physical capacities, In 1986, . In 2009, researchers in The Lancet defined health as the body’s ability to adapt to new threats and infirmities, acknowledging modern science’s strides in understanding and combating diseases.
Types of Health
Mental and physical health are the most frequently discussed types of health. However, spiritual, emotional, and financial health also contribute to overall well-being. For example, better financial health can reduce stress, while good spiritual health can foster a sense of calm and purpose.
Physical Health
Good physical health involves bodily functions working at their peak, not just the absence of disease. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate rest contribute to good physical health. It also involves reducing the risk of injuries or health issues through practices like workplace safety, contraception, hygiene, avoiding harmful substances, and taking recommended vaccines.
Mental Health
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, mental health refers to emotional, social, and psychological well-being. It is harder to define than physical health due to its subjective nature, but improvements in testing have identified some physical signs of mental illness. Good mental health involves enjoying life, bouncing back from difficulties, balancing life elements, feeling secure, and achieving one’s potential. Mental and physical health are interconnected, as issues in one area can affect the other.
Factors for Good Health
Good health depends on genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factors include inherited genes that may increase disease risk. Environmental factors, like where a person lives, income, education, and employment status, also impact health. Higher socioeconomic status often correlates with better health outcomes. Cultural issues and how a person manages stress can also influence health.
Preserving Health
Maintaining health through a healthy lifestyle is better than addressing health problems after they arise. The WHO defines wellness as the optimal state of health for individuals and groups, emphasizing physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and economic well-being. Steps to attain wellness include a balanced diet, regular exercise, disease screening, stress management, purposeful activities, caring for others, maintaining a positive outlook, and living by a value system. While avoiding disease altogether may not be possible, building resilience helps prepare the body and mind to handle illnesses.
