Health encompasses overall well-being, including emotional, mental, and physical aspects, with healthcare aiming to support individuals in maintaining wellness across these domains.
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), healthcare expenditures in the United States totaled $3.5 trillion in 2017. Nevertheless, despite this significant investment, individuals in the U.S. exhibit a lower life expectancy compared to those in other developed nations. This discrepancy stems from various factors, such as healthcare accessibility and lifestyle decisions.
Central to managing stress and prolonging life with vitality is good health. This article elucidates the concept of good health, the various dimensions individuals should address, and strategies for maintaining optimal well-being.
What defines health?
In 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced a definition of health that continues to be embraced by current authorities.
“Health is a state marked by holistic well-being encompassing physical, mental, and social dimensions, rather than simply the absence of disease or weakness.”
In 1986, the WHO provided additional explanations:
“Health is depicted as a tool for daily living, not the ultimate goal of existence. It is viewed as a constructive notion highlighting social and personal assets, alongside physical abilities.“
This implies that health serves as a support for an individual’s participation in broader society, rather than being an ultimate goal. Adopting a healthy lifestyle offers the tools to lead a fulfilling life with significance and direction.
In 2009, scholars featured in The Lancet articulated health as the capacity of the body to adjust to novel challenges and ailments. They derive this concept from the recognition that recent decades have witnessed substantial advancements in scientific comprehension of diseases, uncovering methods to mitigate or halt their progression, and acknowledging the possibility that complete absence of pathology may not always be attainable.
Categories:
Mental and physical well-being are commonly regarded as the primary types of health.
In addition, spiritual, emotional, and financial well-being play significant roles in overall health. Healthcare professionals have associated these factors with reduced stress levels and enhanced mental and physical health.
For instance, individuals with stronger financial health may experience fewer concerns about their finances and possess the resources to purchase fresh food on a regular basis. Similarly, those with sound spiritual health may experience a sense of tranquility and direction that bolsters their mental well-being.
Physical Well-being:
An individual with optimal physical well-being is expected to have bodily functions and systems operating at their optimum level.
This isn’t solely attributed to the absence of illness. Regular physical activity, a well-rounded diet, and sufficient rest all play a role in promoting good health. When needed, individuals seek medical intervention to preserve this equilibrium.
Physical health encompasses adopting a wholesome lifestyle to mitigate the likelihood of illness. For instance, sustaining physical fitness can safeguard and enhance an individual’s respiratory and cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition.
Caring for physical health and well-being also entails mitigating the risk of injury or health concerns by:
*Reducing workplace hazards
*Utilizing contraception during sexual activity
*Practicing effective hygiene habits
*Abstaining from tobacco, alcohol, or illicit substances
*Administering recommended vaccinations for specific conditions or destinations while traveling
Furthermore, good physical health can synergize with mental health to enhance an individual’s overall quality of life.
For instance, research from a 2008 study suggests that mental health disorders like depression may heighten the susceptibility to substance use disorders, potentially leading to adverse effects on physical health.
Mental Fitness:
Emotional, social, and psychological well-being constitute mental health, as stated by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Mental health holds equal significance to physical health in fostering a complete, engaged lifestyle.
Defining mental health is more challenging compared to physical health, given that numerous psychological diagnoses hinge on an individual’s subjective interpretation of their encounters.
Nonetheless, advancements in diagnostics now enable medical professionals to detect certain physical indicators of specific mental disorders through CT scans and genetic testing.
Positive mental health isn’t solely defined by the absence of conditions like depression or anxiety. It’s also determined by an individual’s capacity to:
*Experience enjoyment in life
*Recover from challenging situations and adjust to adversity
*Maintain a harmonious equilibrium across various life domains, including family and finances
*Feel a sense of safety and stability
*Fulfill their maximum potential
There are significant interrelations between physical and mental health. For instance, a chronic ailment impeding a person’s usual activities might precipitate feelings of depression and stress, potentially stemming from financial constraints or mobility limitations.
Similarly, a mental disorder such as depression or anorexia can influence body weight and overall functioning.
It’s crucial to view “health” holistically, rather than isolating individual components. All facets of health are interconnected, underscoring the importance of pursuing overall well-being and equilibrium as fundamental aspects of good health.
