Health is a phenomenon that has many different definitions. Each one makes sense predominantly in its home context. The first is a medical concept of health that defines it as the absence of disease. This is a pragmatic approach but the reality is that people often have diseases which were not detectable with current methods.
Physical
Health science is a multi-disciplinary field that combines research and knowledge about the human body to understand how it functions. It encompasses many sub-fields such as biology, biochemistry, physics, epidemiology, pharmacology, and medical sociology. Health sciences aim to improve human health and wellbeing by researching, developing and applying health-related knowledge. Many people think of HEALTH as a strictly physical phenomenon. In this view, a person is considered healthy only when they are free from disease or injury. This concept of health is reflected in a number of definitions, such as the one by the World Health Organization: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
Other people have a more holistic view of HEALTH, based on their experience of it in their daily lives. These experiences are influenced by their beliefs and values, as well as the environment in which they live and work. They are also influenced by their culture and social context, and by the way they manage stress. A more recent perspective was proposed by philosopher Emmanuel Canguilhem, in his book “The meaning of health” (2008). It is a “conceptualization of health as a resource that is dependent on the animate and inanimate environment, and on the person’s life situation”.
The most important factor influencing HEALTH is a person’s own behaviour and lifestyle. For example, a person who exercises regularly and has a balanced diet is more likely to have good health. However, genetics also plays a role. Individuals may have a predisposition to certain diseases and health conditions, depending on their genetic make-up and the environment they grow up in.
Mental
Mental health has a direct impact on your physical well-being. When you are stressed or depressed, it can cause fatigue and unexplained aches and pains in your body. These symptoms can lead to more serious health issues. This is why it’s important to stay in touch with your mental health and take steps to improve it if needed. When you are mentally healthy, it makes it easier to manage your life and maintain good habits like exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet. It also helps you keep your mind sharp so you can focus on work, relationships, and a positive outlook on life.
In contrast, when you have a mental illness like depression or anxiety, it can be more difficult to stick to a daily routine. It may be more challenging to make friends, keep a job, maintain good hygiene, or get enough sleep. It is essential to seek help when you are struggling with these issues so that you can find a healthy balance and improve your mental health over time. The link between mental and physical health is stronger than you might think. In fact, research shows that people with chronic physical conditions often have co-existing mental illnesses. This can reduce their quality of life and increase costs to society through lost workplace productivity and increased healthcare usage.
This is because of a complex interplay between biology, illness experience, and social factors that can influence both the mind and body. For example, hormone changes affect both mental and physical health. For instance, a drop in estrogen and serotonin at the end of menstrual cycle can trigger emotional symptoms. Similarly, the immune system can be affected by the way we feel.
Social
In addition to a healthy diet and exercise, you can maintain your social health by being involved in activities with other people. Having a positive social network helps reduce the risk of depression, and it can help you stay healthy by providing support during times of stress. Having close friends and family who care about you is important for your emotional well-being. You can build your network by participating in community events or volunteering for a cause you believe in. Many types of scientific evidence show that having supportive social ties benefits your health. For example, research has shown that those who have more supportive relationships have lower rates of smoking and obesity. Moreover, social processes, such as the way that one’s racial or ethnic identity corresponds to the meaning of certain behaviors, may explain why some health habits are contagious in specific networks (Christakis and Fowler 2007).
While health care providers can impact your HEALTH during episodes of illness or injury, your environment, your community, and your lifestyle have much larger impacts on your health. These non-medical influences on your HEALTH are called “social determinants of health” (SDOH). They include the conditions in which you live, learn, work, and age, as well as the broader social positions in which you find yourself. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention uses the term SDOH to refer to those factors that influence health outcomes without direct involvement of the health care system. A growing number of initiatives are emerging to incorporate SDOH considerations into non-health sectors and to address social determinants within the health care delivery system. For example, there are efforts to promote health through the workplace and the development of smoke-free environments. In addition, there are programs that support home health services, meals on wheels, and home health aides.
Spiritual
Spiritual health involves being mindful of and connected to your values, beliefs and sense of purpose. It may also include regular practices such as meditation, yoga and prayer. Spirituality can be religious or it can consist of values, ethics and morals that support your worldview. Regardless of your belief system, practicing spirituality can provide comfort during stressful times and a strong sense of meaning to life. Research has shown that people who practice religion or spirituality are better able to cope with stress and are less likely to be depressed.
Some studies have even found that those who are more spiritual have lower levels of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6, or IL-6. IL-6 is associated with increased cancer risk and other chronic diseases. It has been suggested that this decrease in IL-6 is a result of regular participation in spiritual community activities, such as attending church services. Despite the fact that many medical professionals do not discuss religion or spirituality with patients, this is an important component of overall wellness. A USA Weekend Faith and Health poll indicated that 65% of patients believe that it would be good for physicians to ask their patients about their spiritual beliefs, and that patients want their physicians to respect and accommodate these beliefs.
There are also a growing number of hospitals and doctor’s offices that offer pastoral care and spiritual services. These resources can help with the emotional and psychological effects of a serious illness, as well as the spiritual aspects of recovery and healing. The NWI suggests that you know you are spiritually healthy when you “feel stronger and more balanced enough to manage conflict as it arises.” You may find that you are better able to let go of worry and negative thinking, and to process emotions such as fear and anger in healthy ways.
Emotional
Many people know intuitively that health is intimately connected to the state of one’s emotions. Oftentimes the body will respond to emotional disturbances like stress, anxiety, and fear with physical ailments. Studies show that healthy emotions must be experienced and expressed in a correspondingly healthy way to enhance both mental and physical wellbeing. Unhealthy emotions, or even the inability to feel any emotions, leach away our vital energy and can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms and chronic disease.
When you have healthy emotions, it’s easier to connect with others. It’s also a lot easier to see the positive in situations that are difficult. Emotionally healthy people understand their emotions and have a range of effective strategies they can use to deal with everyday challenges and traumatic events. A person who is emotionally healthy can recognize when they are feeling sad, angry, frustrated, and so on, and they can manage those feelings effectively to maintain a functional mindset. They can also bounce back more easily from negative life experiences.
There are many ways to cultivate a more emotionally healthy mindset, such as getting enough sleep and making sure you have strong social connections. It can also help to have a therapist or coach who you can talk through thoughts and emotions with. A good way to start is by taking a small step towards a more emotionally healthy lifestyle, such as journaling each day or noting three things you’re grateful for. Usually, just by taking that first step you’ll find yourself motivated to keep up the momentum! Eventually, all the positive effects will add up. Just like physical health, emotional health is a journey. So be patient and kind to yourself along the way!
Conclusion:
Health is a multifaceted and dynamic state of well-being that encompasses physical, mental, and social aspects of an individual’s life. It goes beyond the absence of illness and involves achieving a balance between various dimensions of life, allowing a person to function optimally, pursue their goals, and experience a high quality of life. While physical health involves the proper functioning of the body’s systems, mental health encompasses emotional well-being and cognitive function. Social health involves positive interactions and relationships within the community. Overall, health is an ongoing process that requires proactive efforts, including healthy lifestyle choices, regular medical check-ups, and maintaining a positive outlook on life.
FAQs:
What Factors Contribute To Overall Health?
Several factors contribute to overall health, including diet, exercise, genetics, access to healthcare, environmental conditions, mental and emotional well-being, sleep patterns, social connections, and lifestyle choices. Striving for a balanced and holistic approach to these factors is essential for maintaining good health.
Can Mental Health Affect Physical Health, And Vice Versa?
Yes, mental health and physical health are interconnected. Poor mental health can lead to physical issues like compromised immune function, cardiovascular problems, and increased susceptibility to chronic illnesses. Similarly, physical health problems, such as chronic pain or serious illnesses, can impact mental well-being, leading to conditions like anxiety, depression, or stress. Taking care of both mental and physical health is crucial for a comprehensive sense of well-being.
