What is health?

Health could be defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing and not only the absence of infirmity or disease. 

In 1986, World Health Organization (WHO) made further clarifications that health is a positive concept that emphasizes personal and social resources, as well as physical capacities. 

It means that health is a resource that promotes an individual’s function in society. A healthful lifestyle provides a means to lead a life full of meaning and purpose. 

Types of health 

1.Physical health 

People who have good physical health is likely to have bodily processes and functions working at their peak. Physical wellbeing entails pursuing a healthful lifestyle in order to decrease the risk of decease. 

The concept of physical health and wellbeing also involves reducing the risk of injuries or health issue, such as:

• Taking the recommended vaccines for a specific condition
• Practising effective hygiene 
• Avoiding the use of tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs 
• Minimizing hazards in the workplace 
• Good physical health works together with mental health to enhance a person’s overall quality of life. 

2.Mental health 

Mental health refers to a person’s social, emotional, and psychological wellbeing. Mental health is as vital as physical health, as part as an active, full lifestyle. 

Good mental health is not only defined in terms of the absence of anxiety, depression or other medical disorders. It also depends on person’s ability to:

• Feel safe and secure 
• Balance different aspects of life, such as family and finances 
• Bounce back after difficult life experiences 
• Achieve your full potential 
• Enjoy life to its fullest 

There is a strong connection between physical health and mental health. For example, if a chronic medical health condition affects a person’s ability to do their regular tasks, it may lead to stress and depression. A mental illness, such as anorexia or depression can body weight and overall function. 

Factors for good health 

Good health depends on certain factors which include:

Environmental factors 

Environmental factors are essential to health. Sometimes, the environment alone can impact health. Other times, an environmental stimulant can lead to an illness in a person with an increased genetic risk of a particular disease. 

The following factors mentioned below have significant impact on health:

• Level of education 
• The state of the surrounding environment 
• Income 
• Where a person lives 
• Genetics 
• Employment status 

The above considerations can be categorized as follows:

The physical environment: This involves the germs that exist in an environment as well as the levels of pollution.

The social and economic environment: This includes the financial status of a community or family, as well as the quality of relationships and social culture. 

A person’s behaviours and characteristics: A person’s lifestyle choices and genetic makeup can affect their entire health. 

Preserving health 

It is a well-known fact that the best way to maintain health is to preserve it through a healthful lifestyle rather than waiting until infirmity or sickness to treat health problems. 

The following are steps that can help you attain good health 

• Engaging in purposeful activities 
• Caring for and connecting with other people 
• Maintaining a positive outlook on life 
• Eating a balanced, healthy diet from as many natural sources as possible 
• Developing and defining a value system and putting it into action 
• Learning to manage stress effectively 
• Going for regular check-up for diseases that may present a risk