The Definitive Guide to Health

Health is a state of physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being, without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.

A comprehensive approach to health is necessary in order to achieve the best possible results from healthcare systems and interventions. The broad definition of health enables improvement efforts to focus on improving people’s responses to and perceptions of diseases and their conditions, as well as their ability to participate in their family, community, work and other activities.

The broad perspective on health is also a good fit with the concept of salutogenesis, which views health as a process and health promotion as a way to sustain it (see below). Rather than looking at what causes disease, salutogenesis seeks out factors that support and maintain health. This contrasts with the traditional medical approach of pathogenesis, which is concerned with what causes illness.

People’s definitions of health vary by culture, age and social situation. A recent study of lay perspectives in 29 countries found that the majority of respondents believed that environment was a major determinant of health. This agrees with the scientific view that environmental factors increase the risk of disease. Other determinants of health such as personal choices, the quality of life, and values differ depending on people’s situations and experiences.

There are also individual differences in the ways that people perceive the determinants of their own health. Some of these are due to individual choices, such as whether to engage in certain activities or not; others are the result of structural causes, such as the organization of society and the access to healthcare services. In addition, some of the determinants are dependent on each other and therefore act in a mutually interactive fashion.

For example, a person’s diet and exercise routine may help reduce the risk of many diseases. However, a person’s mental health habits can also have an effect on their physical health, which is why it is important to keep all aspects of a healthy lifestyle in mind. This includes diet, exercise, sleep, stress and the ability to cope with challenges. Creating a health checklist can help individuals stay on track with their healthy habits. Flip the cards below to read articles about each of these areas and to download printable checklists. It is important to remember that the key to staying healthy is balance and consistency. Trying to do too much at once can be overwhelming and lead to poor outcomes. Likewise, rewarding yourself for reaching a goal or milestone can encourage you to continue to make healthy choices in the future. Just be sure to choose a nonfood reward, as high-calorie foods can derail your goals.