The Link Between Health and Wellness

Health is a condition where disease and infirmity are totally absent. It implies a standard of well being, which includes all the factors that affect the physical, mental and emotional well being of an individual. Various definitions have also been used over the years for various purposes. According to popular use, health is the sum total of the following components:

Disease prevention is the practice of taking preventive measures against common illnesses like colds, coughs, flu and pneumonia. A well informed and socially responsible population is highly favored for the accomplishment of this goal. There are several determinants for determining health status.

The four basic determinants are age, gender, occupation, and community. These are grouped according to the contribution they make towards healthy well-being. An adolescent’s health depends on the family’s health and education. A worker’s well being is determined by the nature of his work and stress level. Mental health comprises of general health, functioning capacity, memory, behavior disorders, and disturbance of sleep and eating habits.

A person’s heath status can be affected by hereditary factors, environment, activities and food, psychological problems, and stress. According to studies, obesity, heart diseases, diabetes, and some cancers are prevalent in people of developed countries. According to recent research trends, tobacco use, depression, and suicidal tendencies have increased among middle-aged American men. However, there are several effective ways to improve the health status of a person.

Stress is the most important factor that decreases health status and results in poor mental health and physical disorders. It is evident from research findings that stress results in the development of several diseases. Stress is the main cause of ill health such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, stroke, ulcer, gastrointestinal disorders, irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome. Apart from these, it causes psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, panic, mood swings, insomnia and various types of anxiety. Mental disorders are mainly associated with the role of biological, psychological and social factors. Psychological stress results in such conditions as eating disorders, substance abuse, alcoholism and drug abuse.

There is also a close link between mental health and physical illness. It is evident from studies that people who are physically ill usually become depressed. This condition is also more common in women. However, physical illness may not lead to the development of mental illness if the person has a healthy family life, appropriate socioeconomic status and no history of depression or other serious mental health disorders.

Sports (or sporting) is any forms of generally competitive physical activity that, though organized or casual, aim to utilize, uphold or enhance physical ability and/or skills while also providing entertainment for participants, and at times, spectators. There are many sports that are part of the Olympic Games and other major sports competitions around the world. One can participate in sports for various reasons; they may be as simple as for health and fitness, as a means to an income, as a form of recreation or competitive training, as a way of bonding with friends and family or as a means of physical testing. Participation in sports has been known to prevent, reduce or even reverse certain diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, being active helps one to maintain a healthy weight and prevents osteoporosis, high blood pressure, stroke and obesity.

Sports are divided into two categories: physical and mental sports. Mental sports refer to those activities that require the participants to apply mental effort and focus, while the physical sports are those involving muscular exertion, speed, endurance, and competition. Sports are often associated with leisure time and leisure sports such as golf, tennis, swimming, football and baseball are considered leisure sports. In recent years, basketball and softball have gained significant popularity among American youth.

The Olympic Games has been around since ancient times, with the first Olympic Games organized in Greece in 776 BC. From its roots as a competitive physical activity, the games have evolved over time to become a platform for culture, social interaction and sports competition. Today, the Games are seen to be as much as a competition as a celebration of individual achievements and the spirit of sportsmanship. Despite being a relatively recent development, the games have a long history of being regarded as a prestigious sports event.

The history of organized sports competitions dates back to Ancient Greece. Olympic Games, in particular, gained great popularity among Greek citizens during the fifth and fourth centuries BC. The Games have played a major role in Greek culture, acting as a major platform for propaganda, political drama, athletic competition and religious worship. The Games have been repeatedly used as a forum for social interaction and a means of exertion and display of power and authority. The Games have also provided an opportunity for Greeks to test their strength and skill against fellow citizens of their day.

Although the Games are a source of pride for many of the nations participating, they are viewed by some as a source of undue pressure and stress. Sports can be strenuous activities and often involve a lot of physical strain. In contrast to the much less strenuous Olympic Sports, recreational sports are generally less physical in nature and allow participants to enjoy themselves and relax. Some recreational activities that fall into this category include paintballing, miniature golf, hiking, swimming and mountain biking. Although these sports are seen by some as less than serious competitive sport, they are considered by other athletes as a type of workout and exercise and can sometimes help build strength, endurance and muscle.

A physical activity may be defined as any activity that uses the body in a way that increases its size, shape and uses up physical energy in ways other than through muscular action. Therefore, every person has the right to choose the type of physical activity that best meets their needs. However, some types of activity, such as aerobic exercise, do not require large amounts of energy to perform and provide a healthy benefit for the body. Other types of physical activities, such as weightlifting or cycling, require a great deal more physical power than many people are able to generate voluntarily.