Achieving and maintaining health can be a difficult task for many people. A variety of factors influence a person’s state of health, including age, genetic endowment, and personal choices in lifestyle and behavior. For the most part, health is defined as a person’s ability to function well and gain meaning from their life. However, a broad definition of health can be challenging to measure and evaluate, particularly in the context of a rapidly changing environment.
The most widely used definition of health is that of the World Health Organization, which defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This approach has been criticized, for example, because it does not address the impact of a chronic illness on life expectancy. However, it is still a useful framework for understanding the concept of health.
More recent approaches to understanding health have attempted to broaden the concept beyond an individual’s current state of being. The field model, for example, sees behavior as an intermediate determinant of health that is shaped by multiple forces, including the physical and social environment and genetic endowment. As a result, behavior change is often a complex endeavor, and can be influenced as much by the broader determinants of health as by direct interventions from clinicians or other individuals.
This broader view of health also considers the impact of environmental conditions on the ability to function well in a dynamically changing total environment. It recognizes that good health is directly related to settings that promote adaptive capacity in managing life circumstances, and that it can be compromised by pre-existing vulnerabilities such as racial or socioeconomic disadvantages.
In addition to these broader perspectives, recent research has begun to examine the economics of health. This approach includes considering the value of the health benefits that society receives for healthcare expenditures, as well as considering the value of nonmarket inputs such as the value of a person’s time.
Whether you are looking to improve your physical or mental health, there are plenty of things you can do to achieve and maintain healthy habits. For example, you can begin by scheduling regular health screenings with your doctor, such as a cholesterol test or blood pressure check. These screenings can help you stay on top of your health and catch problems before they develop into full-blown diseases, which can often be treated with medication. Additionally, it is important to eat nutritious foods and get enough exercise. Aim for about 30 minutes of aerobic activity each day, such as a brisk walk or pushups. Getting plenty of sleep and reducing stress levels are also beneficial for your overall health. If you are struggling with a mental illness, counseling may help you work through it and live a happier and healthier life.