What Is Healthy?
Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. Health is a resource that supports an individual’s function in the community and the world. Health is a continuous process, and there are many different definitions of what is considered to be healthy. These definitions are based on varying sources and for different purposes.
Health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being
The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.” The pursuit of health is fundamental to human well-being, and can be promoted through the promotion of healthful behaviors, and the reduction or elimination of unhealthy ones. The pursuit of health can also be achieved through the structural and social factors that shape a society.
Health is a holistic state of well-being – the absence of disease and infirmity, and the absence of stress. This state is important because it enables a person to cope with the stresses of life and enjoy positive interactions with others.
Health as the absence of disease
The World Health Organization defines health as the absence of disease and the presence of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. This definition is consistent with the biopsychosocial model of health, which takes into account social, psychological, and physiological factors and their interactions. It contrasts with the medical model, which focuses on disease and its treatment. The WHO definition also links health and wellbeing to the notion of human rights and health as a human right.
According to the World Health Organization, health is an asset to society, and a healthy lifestyle is a means to live a full life of purpose and meaning. Furthermore, researchers in The Lancet journal have formulated health as the ability to adapt to threats and infirmities, based on progress in modern science.
Health as a resource to support an individual’s function in wider society
Health is a vital resource that allows individuals to function properly within a community and wider society. People have a variety of genetic and environmental influences that affect their health. For example, they may inherit genes from their parents that make them susceptible to certain diseases. This genetic vulnerability can be triggered by environmental triggers.
In promoting health, many actors are involved, including health practitioners, academics, administrators, businesses, and the media. However, health as a resource to support an individual’ function in wider society is a complex process. Moreover, a lack of guidance and definitions are hampering informed cooperation.
Health as an ongoing process
Health is an ongoing process that includes a variety of determinants, both physical and environmental. Each of these determinants has an influence on the level of health that the organism can achieve. In addition, health is a process that involves the individual, family, and community. As a result, health is an evolving concept and there are many ways to improve one’s health.