An Overview of Good Health

Health is a condition of mental, physical and social well being where infirmity and illness are absent. A number of definitions have also been employed over the years for various purposes. It used to mean the state of health prior to the arrival of man and has evolved over the centuries into what we know today as health. The word health is also the subject of much litigation and debate. Health insurance is one area where there are often great disagreement and confusion.

Health is regarded as the state of being able to cope with ordinary demands of life. It has to do with the ability to sustain life. This concept of health is most closely associated with human biology. Humans are made up of a body, a brain, a heart and a digestive system and a social well being is viewed as the continuation of this body, brain and heart systems in their function as the basis for human health and physical and mental well being.

In recent years, wellness has become a catchall term that has encompassed a range of concepts including but not limited to a healthy diet, exercise, disease prevention, emotional health, nutrition, population management, public health, and psychology wellness. Disease prevention is the primary objective of wellness. The concept of wellness is increasingly being incorporated into public health programs to address neglected health issues. In practice, disease prevention means reducing the burden of chronic diseases and disabilities that affect the population.

The pursuit of a healthy lifestyle is essential in maintaining or improving human health. These lifestyles include healthy diet, regular physical activity, and cessation of substance abuse. Healthy living also encompasses practices aimed at preventing or slowing down the development of conditions that can lead to disability or chronic diseases. Public health aims to protect the population from the adverse effects of common diseases, especially those that are transmittable through contact with the skin and mucous membranes.

According to the NIDDK, other important determinants of health status include self-rated health, community-based determinants of health status, and dietary determinants. Self-rated health is based on the answers to questions regarding the state of your health and your perceived limitations in terms of health-related tasks. Community-based determinants of health status refers to the condition of health found in a general setting. Dietary determinants refer to recommendations concerning the food that people consume. These may include portion sizes, frequency of intake, nutritional assessment, consumption guidelines, and restrictions on specific foods.

As outlined in the NIDDK report, all these determinants have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is important for an individual to consider all these factors in order to achieve good health. Good health requires a balanced combination of public and private health care. This will ensure that the different aspects of health care work in synergy for the ultimate benefit of the public.