The Benefits of Lifestyle Change
Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is an “uneven condition of the physical, mental and emotional well being of any human being and not the absence of illness and infirmity.” Over time a variety of definitions for health have been employed for various purposes. In recent years, however, many professionals such as the Mayo Clinic and the American College of Nutrition have taken a more literal approach to the study of health and nutrition. The current definition of health emphasizes both prevention and treatment of disease. In doing so, health is acknowledged as a whole rather than a series of discrete treatments.
The goal of a healthy lifestyle is to maintain or improve the individual’s overall health. It is accomplished through a combination of diet, regular exercise, and consumption of natural products that promote health. A diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, and low in saturated fat, sugar, salt, and pollutants contains essential nutrients that are vital to overall health and well-being. Exercise is also crucial to achieving and maintaining good health. Regular exercise increases the body’s metabolic efficiency and helps to normalize blood pressure, cholesterol levels, glucose levels, and weight.
Good health is achieved when a person has the knowledge, resources, and confidence to recognize and respond to warning signs and symptoms of potential illnesses or disease. Health awareness promotes self-care, which reduces the likelihood that a person will be hospitalized or suffer needlessly from illness. The most common warning signs include a decreased sense of well-being, frequent illness reminders, decreased mental awareness, fatigue, and pain, poor nutritional status, sleep disturbances, and poor immune function. These conditions can lead to a range of diseases and illnesses including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Prevention of illness requires a multifaceted effort at individual, family, and community levels.
People begin to experience personal wellness when they manage their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs with care and effectiveness. Illness often occurs when one is unable to manage these needs in an effective manner. When ill-health exists, it prevents functioning in all areas of life. Illness often results in a negative impact on relationships and a sense of futility and lack of direction.
In addition to the many physical and mental health issues that diminish well-being, there are also a variety of social and environmental factors that exacerbate health issues. For example, living in a neighborhood where violence occurs is linked to negative outcomes for people who live there. In addition, people who do not feel safe walking alone at night are more likely to be victims of assault than those who feel secure when they walk alone at night.
To maintain good health, individuals need to create a lifestyle that includes fitness and mental wellness. A balanced approach to fitness and exercise, as well as the right nutrition and emotional support can help individuals live a long and disease-free life. By making lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy and exercising regularly, you can improve your physical health and gain greater well-being. You can also improve your mental health and enhance your well-being by making lifestyle changes.