Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is a condition “of full physical, emotional and social well being and not just the absence of sickness and disease”. A variety of other definitions have also been used over the years. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) in the National Academy of Sciences has listed the definition as “the quality of life achieved by people through their capacity to enjoy their own lives and to contribute to the betterment of society”. This statement was created in 2021 in order to increase the awareness of the importance of healthy lifestyle.
While everyone from grandparents to toddlers considers health as a significant part of their daily life, there are a number of factors that can impact on our health, some serious and others less serious. These include, but are not limited to, poor diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, unprotected sex, and communicable diseases. Each of these has a direct impact on the health issues of individuals and families.
The primary focus of healthy lifestyle, therefore, should be to maintain good health and to contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. While the pursuit of good health conditions can be challenging, they are entirely attainable. It is possible to live a long and healthy life even with a number of challenges. These include, but are not limited to, chronic illness, high blood pressure, obesity, depression, stress, lack of exercise, poor nutrition, and other physical disorders. These conditions usually begin in childhood and continue into adulthood.
One aspect of good health that many do not pay enough attention to is the protection of one’s physical and mental health. Healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a balanced diet and getting regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy body weight and reduce the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Studies have proven that physical activity and exercise is a tremendous way to reduce the onset and severity of many types of diseases and physical disorders including cancer, stroke, arthritis, osteoporosis, and stroke. It is especially important for physical fitness to occur during the early years of life.
In addition to following a healthy diet and participating in regular exercise, it is also important to supplement these efforts with mental and emotional counseling and assistance. Health professionals agree that a complete physical and mental health regimen will lead to stronger coping skills, increased confidence, and greater resilience to disease. A strong sense of self-esteem, a positive outlook on life, and a decreased risk of developing psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, and panic attacks are among the positive outcomes of a complete physical and mental program.
People who are diagnosed with a terminal illness or with a debilitating disease are at a higher risk for complications if they do not follow a healthy lifestyle. These individuals are more likely to develop chronic diseases, have shorter life expectancies, and experience more adverse medical outcomes. An increasing number of health professionals are emphasizing the need for patients to develop and maintain healthy relationships with both their doctors and their caregivers. A patient’s adherence to a health program is just as important as the treatment they receive.