Health is a condition of emotional, mental and physical well-being where infirmity and illness are absent. Over the years several definitions have also been applied to this concept. In current understanding, health is associated with the quality of life or the quality of the physical condition; it is not independent of these aspects. Quality of life depends on the person’s capacity to enjoy his life, to manage his emotions and to cope with his environment. It also includes aspects like the ability to enjoy relationships, to be productive and to cope with daily activities.
Health has various aspects and this depends on the persons’ culture, beliefs and needs. Broadly, health is associated with four factors, physical illness, mental illness, emotional illness and occupational illness. Occupational illness, in particular, is the outcome of people working in settings with high levels of stress. The categories of work that put workers at a high level of stress include hazardous occupations, construction jobs, factory works, and auto worker jobs. High level of stress results in high levels of blood pressure, increase in pulse rate, increase in temperature and decrease in breathing. All these symptoms are a sign of physical illness.
On the other hand, healthy living is an act of countering or preventing illness by making good lifestyle choices and taking responsibility for one’s health. Healthy lifestyle choices includes eating the right food, regular exercise, stress management, relaxation techniques and other similar practices. A healthy individual is free from physical illness as well as emotional and psychological stresses. Overall health is achieved through a combination of good nutrition, regular exercise, relaxation techniques and other related practices.
Good health conditions can prevent serious diseases and fatalities. These include heart attacks, hypertension, diabetes, lung diseases, cancer and other serious illnesses. This also includes the reduction of costs involved in treating these illnesses. A good health and well-being can improve productivity and standard of living.
It is important for individuals to identify their own level of wellness. A self-assessment is a practical approach for individuals to improve their physical health and well-being. Self-assessment utilizes a checklist or rating system that determines the level of disability, illness, disability, and disfigurement (or morbidity) in an individual. A healthy body is vital for overall wellness. Individuals who are morbidly obese or suffer from poor health conditions such as cancer, AIDS, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, obesity, osteoporosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be suffering from a poor health status. They may have a greater risk of mortality compared to those with optimal weights.
Emotional and mental wellness is important in the prevention and treatment of physical diseases and illness. Emotional health refers to the ability to enjoy one’s life and cope with daily challenges. Mental wellness includes the ability to live life to its fullest and to achieve goals and objectives. Both components support and enhance a person’s ability to physical well being, but emotional and mental facets of the human health only complement each other and not cause or worsen the other.