The word health has multiple definitions, ranging from a precise biomedical or physical definition such as the absence of negative biologic circumstances (altered DNA, abnormal physiologic states, disease, disability, and death) to a broad social definition of “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” The latter perspective may be simpler to measure and understand but risks assigning full responsibility for achieving it to medical and public health care systems.
The most commonly discussed health factors are physical, but spiritual and emotional health also contribute to overall wellness. Some of the determinants are amenable to direct intervention such as behavior change, but others are not, including genetic endowment and structural causes, such as a society’s organization of work or living conditions.
A major shift occurred during the 20th century, from a view of health as determined by the availability of health care to one in which people actively manage their own well-being in concert with their environment, culture, and community. This new perspective on health has implications for research, policy, and practice and has particular relevance when considering health within a context of disability or chronic conditions.
Health is an individual’s unique ability to adapt to life’s demands. This adaptation is influenced by a variety of factors, such as an individual’s beliefs and values, his or her abilities, and environmental conditions, both physical and social. The capacity to adapt is an essential ingredient of healthy functioning and is a central element in the health-promoting approach to health.
People can and do achieve good health, even when they have a disability or chronic health condition, as illustrated by a young woman with Down syndrome who is a competitive swimmer and gains meaning in her life through her sport, her relationships, and her work; or a high school teacher who successfully manages his bipolar disorder with medication and lifestyle changes. However, it is important to note that these people also have a supportive family and friends, are in an environment with cultural norms and support networks that value their autonomy, and have access to affordable health care.
The capacity to adapt in the face of challenge is an underlying factor that all individuals need to maintain their health. This is why it is so important for everyone to strive to lead a healthy lifestyle that includes eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep and exercise, avoiding toxic substances and activities like smoking, and maintaining a healthy nervous system without interference from outside sources such as stress. It’s a common saying, but it’s true: health is all in your head! And, as a chiropractor, I’m here to help you keep yours in tip-top shape!