Building a Healthy Lifestyle
It’s important to know what the definition of “health” really means. According to the World Health Organization, “health” is “a condition of the body that maintains its normal functioning.” Various definitions have been used over the years for various purposes. The dictionary definition is “health”: “excellent health; sound health; the possession of vigorous and healthy life.” The Merriam Webster’s Dictionary defines health as being “not sick.”
What exactly constitutes health? For most individuals, it means having a good level of self-esteem, being able to cope with stress, having realistic expectations about life and the ability to make responsible decisions. In recent years there has been an increasing focus on public health, a concept that combines health and education. Public health is an educational concept that informs people about the risks of health behaviors and helps people make informed choices about healthy living. In the United States, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Prevention and Public Health Institute (PPHI) fund programs that focus on preventing health problems through various measures.
An important component of a healthy life is a good diet, which includes a regular intake of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy products, fish, poultry, and nuts. Individuals who eat a healthy diet are less likely to become ill or develop chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. A good public health program helps people get the proper nutrition and encourages them to choose a healthier lifestyle. It also provides information about exercise, healthy diets, and stress management. The goals of many public health initiatives include the reduction of health-threatening practices and the improvement of patient health.
In an effort to promote health, many organizations now offer a life course of action for older adults. This includes everything from simple screenings for high blood pressure and cholesterol levels to more complex measures for preventing and reducing disease. These programs usually begin with diet education, since poor dietary habits can contribute to many illnesses. Programs for older adults usually involve counseling and possibly some lifestyle changes such as exercise. A life course of action usually focuses on issues concerning self-image, stress management, physical activity, nutrition, disease prevention, and aging.
A good health regimen involves a variety of practices designed to promote overall health, including healthy diet, regular physical activity, smoking cessation, and regular examinations. A complete physical examination should be performed annually by a physician or other qualified professional. These exams help detect and treat medical conditions related to obesity, high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. A multivitamin and mineral supplement are a wise choice if you are not getting all of your required nutrients.
People need to understand that they can enhance their physical health and increase their quality of life through consistent exercise, balanced diet, and a low-fat, low-calorie, high-fiber diet. These practices are essential for maintaining a healthy weight and a low risk of illness and disease. Staying mentally healthy includes identifying the mental health needs of your loved one and learning the resources to support him or her. With these and other similar strategies, you can help your loved one achieve and maintain a good health status.