The Meaning of Health Essay

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Health is the state of being physically, mentally, and socially fit.

In other words, it is the well-being of a person in body, mind and spirit without any injury, sickness, or pain.

Health is a condition that undergoes changes due to the body’s adjustment and adaptation as it responds to dynamic environment and stress. Health is measured using the health triangle, which constitutes physical, mental, and social well-being.

Physical health is the ability of the body to stay active and strong. Nevertheless, improvement of this health requires proper diet, exercise, getting enough sleep and weight management. A nutritious diet helps reduce diseases because it improves immunity. Exercise is also important as it keeps the body fit and fine. Sleep is a vital element of health since proper sleep keeps the body alert and fresh, therefore improving the lifestyle. Likewise, health management is an imperative element of health because weight needs control; having less or much weight is a contributing factor to ill health (Housman and Dorman 304).

Mental health is the cognitive and emotional well-being, which involves coping with the daily causes of stress. Mental health also means the absence of a mental condition. An individual’s mental health can have an effect on his lifestyle because it determines whether he will enjoy life and the balance between everyday activities as well as the ability to attain psychological resilience (Nutter 23).

Social health is the ability of an individual to live well with other people in society. It entails good relationships with friends, family members, workmates and other people. Having good relations with family members and friends is very important in improving one’s social health. Social health leads to self-esteem, confidence, and positivity in life.

Additionally, The World Health Organization – 1986 points out that health is not only a state but also a resource for daily living, and not an objective. Many activities are meant to shun and cure health conditions to promote the right health in human beings. Health care providers deliver these activities while the veterinary officers provide animal health.

Other factors that determine the health of an individual include health services, individual behavior, and biology and genetics. Access to proper and high quality health services can bring a positive impact on an individual’s health but it depends on the level of access. Those who do not have insurance coverage on health are more likely to suffer from diseases since they may not participate in preventive care. Lack of availability of health care services, insurance coverage and high cost may also hinder people from getting proper health care (Wilkinson and Marmot 25).

Individual behavior also affects people’s health. For example, those who do not smoke or quit smoking are likely to have better health than those who smoke. Many health care providers focus on transforming an individual’s behaviors like substance abuse, eating habits and physical activities. In addition, biological and genetic factors are likely to affect an individual’s health because older people are biologically likely to have poor health than young adults because of physical and cognitive causes of aging.

In conclusion, good health is not only staying without diseases, but also living happily from a social, physical, and psychological point of view. Being healthy does not only entail taking drugs when sick, but also taking care of ourselves to prevent diseases and change our attitude towards life. Caring for our health means that we do the things that make us feel good, including proper eating habits and exercise. In essence, According to World Health Organization, health awareness is increasing all over the globe since people are concerned about various health-related matters. They have realized that good health and physical well-being are basic requirements for humans.

Works Cited

Housman, Jeff and Steve Dorman. “The Alameda County Study: A Systematic, Chronological Review.” American Journal of Health Education, 36.5 (2005): 302-308.

Nutter, S. The Health Triangle. Grasonville, MD: Anchor Points, Inc., 2003. Print.

Wilkinson, Richard and Michael Marmot. Social Determinants of health: The solid facts. 2nd ed. Copenhagen: World Health Organization: 2003. Web.

World Health Organization. Quality and Accreditation in Health Care Services. 2003. Web.

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