Health As Well-Being
In recent years there has been a huge increase in the use of health terms. Not only are there more health textbooks, but also a greater number of websites that provide explanations for terms. An easy reference guide for those who may not be able to read medical dictionaries is available online.
According to the World Health Organization, “health” is “a condition of the body that requires care, maintenance, and protection.” Different definitions have been applied to health, for example, being overweight is not the same as being obese. A number of definitions are available for various purposes. Some examples of general concepts are the well-being, health promotion, and quality-of-life. A well-being, on this definition, implies having a sense of being whole and complete and having good physical and mental health. Having a sense of well-being is an essential component of healthy living and promotes psychological wellness.
According to a variety of studies, having a sense of wellness promotes positive psychological outlook, promotes physical health and decreases illness, stress, and disability. A well-balanced lifestyle contributes to a healthy lifestyle, and many people, especially in developed countries, do not attain the recommended intakes of nutrients and other necessary elements of a healthy lifestyle. These include adequate sleep, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and participation in socially beneficial activities. Health promotion refers to making health-related decisions to reduce the risks of chronic and fatal diseases and premature death.
A number of diseases are avoidable, even without medical intervention. The most common is the absence of good eating habits, which may lead to obesity. A healthy diet reduces the risk of chronic diseases and obesity. Proper nutrition is defined as eating foods that are nutritionally balanced, including minerals, carbohydrates, fiber, protein, fats, vitamins, and alcohol. Specific food groups are defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS).
In addition to the avoidance of diseases through proper nutrition and active lifestyles, people may also prevent death through HEALTH. This idea is not limited to the health of the individual, but covers the entire community. Healthy life expectancy is important for economic development and maintenance of social welfare. A healthy environment is essential to quality and quantity of human resources and to the well-being of the society as a whole. Health promotion aims to promote well-being by building a better environment and raising awareness about the risks and causes of different diseases.
According to the British Medical Journal, “the best way to prevent disease is to avoid exposure to disease in the first place.” However, if one already has the disease, then good nutrition and regular exercise may be unable to prevent the progression or worsening of the disease. In this case, it is still important to strive for a healthy lifestyle, free from any diseases that may come our way. The three universal goals of healthy living include healthy mind, healthy body, and healthy spirit.