Health, according to the World Health Organization, is a condition that is characterized by the presence of the necessary conditions essential for a person to lead his life as he wants. In other words, it is a state of being healthy and in good spirits. Different definitions have been utilized over time for different purposes. The best definition, however, remains that health is the proper functioning of the body in its natural surroundings.
The definition of a healthy body is that it is not sickly or diseased. This definition may be associated with the concept of virtue (as in the idea of virtue medicine) or the idea of virtue in general (as in the idea of good health). In most medical contexts, however, the definition is related to biology. In the definition of a healthy body, what is required is that the person is free from communicable diseases. This definition is often used as a screening tool by health practitioners. The screening also provides information on the severity of the disease.
Some other health-related definitions are as follows: A healthy body is capable of enduring normal physiological processes; it is capable of sustaining life; and it does not cause pain or impairment in doing its functions. A healthy mind is alert to the presence and signs of illness and disease. And a healthy spirit is one with enjoyment, happiness, and without attachment to anything.
As part of defining the quality of health, several other social determinants come into play as well. Some of these social determinants are psychological and environmental. Psychological factors include the quality of relationships that a person has, his coping mechanism (which can involve negative as well as positive resources), work satisfaction, socialization and religious beliefs. Environmental factors include the climate in which a person lives and works. The environment may be very harsh or very healthy; and this affects the health care and attitudes of the people living in it.
The health care and attitudes definition, in addition to the other social determinants, can be influenced by the way health is being perceived and talked about. The two major ways to do this are through public education and health awareness campaigns. Public education describes the various definitions of health and its importance to society at large. This definition is usually accompanied by facts about the frequency and effects of various diseases. Health-related campaigns are designed to change the health consciousness of the general population towards a healthier lifestyle.
Some current definitions of health would include but are not limited to, the four perspectives of a healthy body and mind. The four perspectives are mental health, physical health, emotional health, and psychological health. These definitions are intended to define what a healthy body and mind look like. And this would be an attempt to give substance to what a lot of research had already brought to light concerning the mental, emotional, and physical facets of our being. It is with these four perspectives that we can start defining health as a whole.