Health is a condition of mental, physical and social well being where infirmity and disease are absent. It encompasses a person’s total well being; it refers to the interrelations of mind, body and spirit. It implies the promotion of health by ensuring optimum health of mind and body through proper nutrition, exercise and motivation. This idea is an extension of welfare services that are provided to people facing different kinds of challenges.
In spite of all the efforts to ensure optimum well-being, illness, accidents and diseases are a part of life. Prevention of illness and early treatment to enhance the chance of full recovery. It also reduces the risk of premature death. This process of preventing illness and ensuring good health conditions is known as health promotion. Health promotion encompasses population control, education, community protection, and family planning and delivery.
The major determinant for the level and quality of health status is the way of living, diet, social environment, work, emotions and stress. These four aspects interact to identify and treat the various health conditions. A healthy lifestyle includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, cleanliness, good health practices and tobacco and alcohol use.
Stress and mental health issues like anxiety and depression have become major health issues over the last three decades. Anxiety is defined as a response to a potential threat or danger which disrupts the person’s daily life and activities. Depression is characterized by feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, and the inability to cope with stress. Both of these disorders have increased the rate of mortality across all age groups.
In developing countries, physical and mental health depends on a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, regular exercise, and a clean environment. While all these contribute towards overall wellness, they are particularly important in curbing the spread of some common but serious diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. It has been observed that people living in rural areas, who have consistent access to fresh fruits and vegetables, have low instances of diabetes and heart diseases. On the other hand, in urban areas where junk food is frequently consumed and where poor nutrition and stress make you feel unhealthy, the chances of getting affected by these diseases are high.
In conclusion, a healthy lifestyle is a combination of proper eating habits, regular exercise, balanced diet, and mental and emotional well being. Healthy physical environments and good health practices such as daily exercise and taking preventive measures to protect your physical health is also necessary to maintain good mental health. The study of human development has revealed that early exposure to natural light, clean air, pleasant social conditions, adequate sleep, and controlled diet is conducive to good health and emotional well being. It is important to practice these preventive measures to save yourself from the dangers of diseases such as cancer and heart ailments.
