Health is an important and vital aspect of life that affects all aspects of a person’s life. It includes physical well-being, psychological wellbeing and social resiliency, as well as the ability to cope with environmental changes. It is a basic human right that entitles people to have access to health care.
The WHO defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. It is also one of the eight rights recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and in Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
It is a right that must be granted without discrimination in relation to race, religion, political belief, economic status and social condition. The enjoyment of this right is inseparable from the observance of other rights, such as the right to food, housing, work and education.
Traditionally, health has been defined as the absence of disease and illness. However, recent scientific advances in understanding how diseases develop, and discovering new therapies and preventions for them, have shifted the definition of health to include a much broader range of factors, such as lifestyle.
For instance, a healthy lifestyle includes exercise, a diet that is balanced and nutritious, adequate sleep, and stress management. It also includes a healthy environment and community that promotes wellness.
In a world where many countries are aging and there are increasing demands for quality healthcare, it is more important than ever to think about the entire health picture. A good health policy needs to address the full spectrum of issues that contribute to health and to take into account the fact that it is a dynamic process.
It is a goal that must be pursued in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders, including the public, private and non-governmental sectors. It is a goal that should be achieved through the adoption of policies, programs and practices that support individuals and communities to achieve their optimal level of health.
A health professional who is involved in the promotion of a healthy lifestyle is called a health educator or a public health practitioner. These professionals work to prevent problems from occurring or recurring through educational programs, research, and policy.
They also try to limit the health disparities among different groups of people. This is particularly important in the developing world, where some areas may have higher rates of disease or poverty than others.
The professions of medicine, nursing, nutrition, pharmacy, psychology and occupational therapy provide clinical services in hospitals, medical clinics, and other settings. They also provide organized interventions to improve health and the ability of individuals to cope with health problems, such as workplace wellness programs and school health services.
Genetics and environmental factors determine an individual’s or a population’s health. These factors can influence a person’s risk of health problems, such as obesity and diabetes. They can also determine the way a person responds to stress, such as how they handle it mentally or physically.