Health is a condition of mental, physical and social well being where infirmity and illness are absent. The term “health” itself may mean the presence of all the above mentioned conditions and their absence or may refer to the lack of any of them. According to the most recent opinion of the medical fraternity, there are four facets to be taken into account when assessing the health condition of an individual. Mental health includes the ability to understand the significance of life and death, social and interpersonal relationships and the ability to enjoy life.
In order to attain complete physical and mental health, one should be free from different types of diseases. Most common among these are accidents, heart diseases, cancer, HIV/AIDS, arthritis, asthma, lung diseases, diabetes, kidney and bowel diseases, mental disorders, psychosomatic disorders, and nutritional deficiencies (which include obesity, vitamin deficiency, iron deficiency). It is important to note that some of these diseases may recur after the recovery, thus necessitating vigilance for preventive measures. Prevention of such illnesses should be taken as a preemptive step, preferably at an early stage. This will help to decrease the severity and consequently the mortality rate of the disease, as well as to ensure a better quality of life for the patient.
The ability to socialize and maintain one’s individuality is an essential requirement for a complete physical and mental well-being. If one suffers from a disability that impairs this ability, then the person is not able to live as a normal human being. A physically healthy individual is capable of maintaining his individuality in social as well-being activities. Hence, it is crucial for a healthy individual to be active socially and emotionally. This will help to increase the metabolic efficiency and improve overall health.
A healthy diet is very important for achieving good health. A healthy diet should contain all the essential nutrients and vitamins that will promote the overall growth of the body. A low intake of vitamins and minerals in the body will lead to the weakening of the body tissues, which may eventually lead to the development of many serious diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Mental health is also very important, particularly for those who are facing psychological stresses. Anxiety is known to weaken the immune system and consequently the overall health of the individual. It is therefore important to take good care of one’s mental health by engaging in regular exercise, meditation, yoga, and other forms of relaxation techniques. A healthy diet and regular sleep are also necessary for achieving mental health, as mental disorders are known to be associated with poor health and lower the quality of life.
One of the most serious problems associated with a low level of physical fitness is cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is an emergency situation whereby the heart rhythm stops beating. This situation can either be due to a blockage in the coronary blood vessels or due to a malfunctioning of the heart muscle. For both these reasons, it is extremely important to have regular check-ups from national institutes like the British Heart Foundation to identify and treat any heart problems, so that they don’t progress into conditions like cardiac arrest.