According to the World Health Organization, health is “a condition of total physical, emotional and social well being and not just the absence of sickness and disease.” Various definitions have been applied over the years for different medical purposes. The dictionary defines health as “the condition of being well.” Another definition states that health is a condition of well-Being with respect to health.
The goal of daily life is to achieve a sense of well being through the acceptance of others and the pursuit of happiness. People seek to make the world a better place through contributions to it and active participation in community activities. Health involves the complete well being of the body, mind and spirit. Mental health is a state of mind that is positive and optimistic about the future. The ability to learn new things and solve problems is one of the components of mental health and is essential for the person to live a happy and successful life.
Risk factors that contribute to poor health include high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, obesity, smoking, underweight and inactive lifestyle, bad circulation, lack of physical activity and poor nutritional habits. Stress and depression also have detrimental effects on health. In the present time, these risk factors have become much more manageable with changes in lifestyles and behaviors. The concept of good health and wellness has gained much prominence over the past decade or so.
Maintaining good health requires a balanced diet, regular exercise and a proper amount of sleep. The importance of a balanced diet is evident in its prevention against cardiovascular diseases. A diet which is rich in fiber helps in avoiding constipation, which in turn prevents the onset of many digestive diseases. Similarly, excessive intake of salt causes high cholesterol and is thus considered a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Studies have shown that a lack of sleep is also associated with increased risk for many kinds of chronic diseases. Therefore, it is essential to get enough sleep on a regular basis.
As a general rule, individuals who are happy and healthy are less likely to suffer from mental health problems like depression, anxiety and stress. Mental wellness refers to a state in which an individual feels calm and relaxed and is able to handle difficult situations with controlled emotions and better cognitive skills. Maintaining emotional balance is crucial for mental health as it allows one to concentrate on the task at hand, and perform well. Poor health leads to poor concentration, increased tension, increased heart rate and a decrease in productivity. The ultimate goal of maintaining wellness is achieving well-being, which may include both physical and mental aspects of well-being.
Being physically active makes up a major part of good health. Studies have shown that a physically active lifestyle is associated with lower body mass index, reduced blood pressure and reduced fat and cholesterol levels in the body. In terms of mental health, studies have shown that those who are more physically active have higher IQ’s than those who are less active. Thus, being physically active can prevent common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety, as well as more serious physical illnesses like cancer and heart disease.