Health is a feeling of being emotionally, mentally, and physically well. The term also refers to a person’s overall well-being and ability to live a happy, active life. A healthy diet, regular exercise, good sleep habits, and avoidance of stress can help maintain health. Health can be a difficult concept to define and achieve.
Many people view their health in terms of the absence of disease, and this viewpoint has been supported by the development of medical treatment and public health facilities. These efforts have been criticized for failing to consider the impact of poverty, social and economic conditions, and environmental factors on health.
The WHO definition of health includes a social dimension and emphasizes the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. This definition was influenced by the human rights philosophy that recognizes the right of every individual to self-determination and the fulfillment of his or her potential. It is also influenced by the notion that health is a collective endeavor, requiring the cooperation of individuals and nations.
Those who argue for a more inclusive definition of health have proposed a field model framework, which views behavior as a response to multiple forces in the environment and genetic endowment. The model also acknowledges that behaviors directly influencing health, such as smoking and drug use, are shaped by these forces. In addition, behavior change is a goal of the model and can be accomplished through interventions such as education, counseling, and community action.
Another approach to health focuses on the value a person places on their quality of life and defines health as a function of an individual’s lifestyle. This definition of health reflects the fact that a person’s personal, family, and work values can determine their ability to participate in society and lead a productive life. This view also acknowledges that some losses in health, such as the inability to perform certain activities, may compensate for other gains, such as a greater sense of well-being and the ability to interact with others.
A person’s ability to live a productive and meaningful life depends on his or her physical and mental well-being. The physical side of health can be affected by poor diet and lack of exercise, while the mental side of health involves coping with stress and depression. To be healthy, a person must feel motivated to take care of his or her body. He or she should find enjoyable ways to get regular exercise, such as joining a walking club or taking a dance class. When obstacles arise, such as bad weather or the inability to make a gym commitment, it is important for a person to remind himself or herself why making this effort is important, so he or she can be persistent and overcome barriers to good health.