Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is a condition of full physical, mental and emotional well-being and not just the absence of sickness and disease. Different definitions have been applied over time to describe what it means. Some view it as being mentally healthy, with good self-image, and having a good relationship with others. Others believe that health is having a capacity for self-care, which includes getting the necessary sleep, exercising, and having social relationships. Health is an idea that has occupied the minds of people over the centuries and continues to do so.
As mental health and physical health rely on each other, there is a delicate balance between them. Stress, anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions can rob you of your well-being. Lack of sleep or eating the right food can contribute to poor health. Having too little exercise or too much stress can be destructive to your well-being.
There are many elements that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Consuming a well-balanced diet, including a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, protein, and low fat dairy products, helps to ensure that you are getting all of the nutrients your body needs to function properly and maintain its overall health. A healthy body with a good mental outlook has a high energy level and is able to function efficiently. A physically fit body is also able to use its resources effectively, resulting in a strong immune system and lower chance of developing illnesses or diseases that could be detrimental to its well being. It is important to exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and to maintain a healthy weight.
The difference in the health and wellness experiences of individuals who experience health and mental health problems is particularly pronounced when one or both are impacted by inequities such as racism, gender, class, or age. People who experience these types of hardships face a greater risk of developing serious illness or disease. Research shows that there are links between living in poverty and poor health outcomes. One in five Americans live in a household headed by someone who is experiencing some form of racial, ethnic, or age-based injustice, according to a recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Poor health and poor social well-being are also closely linked. A physically fit body means having a good life expectancy. Conversely, people who are unhealthy or obese are more likely to experience premature death. Researchers have found a direct relationship between life expectancy and health problems, and the two are strongly correlated.
The above links suggest that there are many ways to improve health and the quality of life for all Americans. Prevention and early detection are critical factors in the fight against illness and disease. In the United States, efforts to promote better social conditions, better nutritional practices, and improved environmental awareness and management are collectively known as the “war on diabetes.” For those with reduced access to quality health services, a healthy diet, mental health, physical well-being, and increased social resources may be essential to promoting optimal health.