The term health has multiple definitions, ranging from the precise biomedical or physical definition of the absence of negative biologic circumstances (altered DNA, abnormal physiologic states, disease, disability, or death) to the broad World Health Organization definition of “health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” The former definition offers the advantage of easy measurement but risks assigning sole responsibility for health outcomes to medical and public health care systems.
The field model of the determinants of health encourages consideration of a broader range of targets for intervention. This is important because there are many factors that influence the health of individuals and communities, not just diseases or behavior. For example, the impact of socioeconomic conditions on health has been long recognized and is often reflected in such indicators as income inequality, housing segregation, school dropout rates, and unemployment.
Moreover, it has been well recognized that the health of the individual is directly related to his or her ability to function in the social environment. Thus, healthy populations are more likely to make progress toward societal goals (e.g., a healthy workforce is more productive, a healthy school population is better able to master lessons, and a healthy community is more able to function as a whole).
Health includes both an individual’s physical and mental well-being. Thus, for example, a person’s diet and exercise routines have a direct impact on his or her health. It is therefore important that people take steps to improve both their diet and exercise habits.
There are a number of different ways that an individual can begin to improve his or her health, including eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and prioritizing sleep. In addition, it is important to avoid unhealthy habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
It is also important for individuals to get regular social support from friends and family members. This can help with stress management and provide a sense of belonging to a group. Finally, it is important to remember that health is a process and it takes time to achieve good health. A great way to begin the journey towards a healthier lifestyle is by taking small, consistent steps. For example, following the strategy outlined in Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg can help individuals set and achieve health goals over time.
The ancient English word for health, haelth, is connected to the root word meaning “whole”. This reflects that the overall concept of health has been around for a very long time and is more complex than many may initially think. In order to truly improve one’s health, it is necessary to consider all aspects of one’s life and make changes where possible. This will allow an individual to live a happy and fulfilling life.