Health is a condition of emotional, physical and mental well-being where infirmity and illness are absent. In medical terms it is described as a state in which the human body functions normally. Various definitions have been employed over the years for various purposes. One of these purposes is to indicate that health is desirable.
The determinants of health are physiological, psychological, social and environmental. By definition, the physical determinants include age, gender, and race. Although age and gender play a major role in determining health, the environment also plays an important part. The determinants of health status are influenced by the following: physical activity, diet, stress, general health, lifestyle choices, diseases, family history, genes, and current health status. Although many people get checked periodically to keep their bodies healthy, other factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and obesity can also lead to poor health status.
Being physically active lowers blood pressure and provides energy to the cells. Being physically active also has an effect on the brain and has been positively linked with better cognitive ability. Regular exercise also contributes to better physical health, since the heart and lungs receive proper blood circulation and oxygen, which improve both cardiovascular and respiratory systems. A physically active life style also leads to a healthy body weight, less body fat, better metabolic rate, improved immunity and fewer incidences of disease, including cancer and cardiovascular illnesses.
However, if people are sedentary, they have decreased physical activity as well as mental health. When you don’t move around much you become at risk of osteoporosis, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and obesity. Mental health refers to one’s ability to cope with daily activities and problems. It is associated with general well-being, emotional well-being, interpersonal well-being, and internal functioning, and is affected by how we perceive and respond to stress, our sense of humor and our ability to take risks. Poor mental health is associated with all kinds of health conditions, such as depression, substance abuse, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
Having a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and low-fat dairy products has been shown to have a positive effect on maintaining good health. A healthy diet has been correlated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, diabetes, and other serious health conditions. The incidence of many diseases can be reduced through a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise. A well-balanced diet is important to our overall well-being. The best diet for maintaining health is a plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds and nuts. These foods contribute to a healthy mind and body.
Being healthy is not just about eating the right amount of food to stay fit and trim. There is also a need for mental health care, physical health care and preventive health care. Prevention is better than treatment when it comes to controlling many common and complex diseases and illnesses. If a person’s mental health is suffering, they should seek medical attention immediately.