Health is a condition where disease and infirmity aren’t necessarily present. The dictionary defines it as the condition of being fit, healthy and well and having proper nourishment. A number of definitions have also been applied to health over the years. Some experts argue that there is a lot more to health than being fit and healthy.
A good definition however, is to maintain a balance between a person’s physical, emotional, and mental health and a person’s disease or disability. Balance refers to the absence of diseased conditions or disease in addition to having a good quantity of healthful activities. It can also mean the absence of injury, pain, sickness, and suffering. Another definition of good health is to be in good psychological health. It may be defined as being in the normal range of psychological health but not necessarily having the full range of healthy activities and sufferings.
Most people nowadays would readily associate health problems with aging and the elderly such as heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis. However, there are many other types of chronic diseases and illnesses that can cause harm to your body. These include childhood leukemia or lymphoma, HIV or AIDS, genital herpes, diabetes, COPD, and kidney failure. In fact, a large percent of serious health problems stem from lifestyle choices. People who smoke, consume alcohol, eat high levels of salt, or who engage in other substance abuse can experience health complications.
In some cases, a person may not suffer from illness at one point in their life but might suffer from mental illness later on in their life. Mental illness can manifest itself in various ways. One common example of a mental illness is depression. Depression can be a temporary condition that arises due to various reasons or can continue for a long period of time without treatment.
Some other examples of diseases that have a varying presence in the population are substance abuse, trafficking drugs, and suicide. The next time you read a news article or listen to a talk show about a health issue, keep in mind the third definition: absence of risk factors. This definition applies not only to diseases but also to non-cancers such as accidents and death.
Lack of physical well-being is not just dangerous for physical health. Poor diet, sedentary lifestyle choices, and unprotected sex are associated with a number of health risks. Illness often develops after a person has experienced a series of lifestyle choices that are unhealthy. Illness can lead to premature death if it is not treated properly. Lack of physical well-being has been defined as a contributing factor to the development of several different illnesses including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer in developed countries.