Health is a condition whereby the body is able to overcome potential threats to its well being and where disease and infirmity aren’t necessarily present. Various definitions have been applied to health over the years for various purposes. Today, we generally use the term “health” to refer to a state of complete and adequate sustenance, without obstruction, whereby a person can take advantage of all his or her senses, abilities and resources. This has particularly been applied to conditions such as mental health, in which a person can enjoy all his or her senses, while at the same time be capable of making sound decisions about his or her own health.
In order to achieve good health, it is important to follow the dietary and lifestyle regimen. This entails the avoidance of ingesting substances or activities that may lead to sickness or even death. This also involves the reduction or elimination of any risk factors for illness. For instance, smoking, alcohol abuse, overeating, high levels of stress, poor nutritional status and physical inactivity are known to have a negative effect on health.
As far as physical health is concerned, it consists of the complete absence of sickness, disease, pain, trauma, disability or disfigurement. In terms of mental health, this implies that a person is free from anxiety, depression, psychosis, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress or other psychological problems. It also involves the absence of any physical debilitation or disability. Good health is necessary for happiness and successful functioning in life. This is true not only for individuals but for the community as a whole, since all members of society must have the ability to live independently and to function as a whole.
The term “wellness” has different meanings to different people. For some, wellness is subjective; it is what a person thinks he or she is healthy and normal. For others, wellness is something they cannot define or even imagine, but can observe and experience every day. There is a big difference between believing that you have good health and actually being in good health.
There is also a difference between health and illness. Health refers to a body condition and can include physical illness, but does not include the mental illnesses that are not related to a physical disease. Illness on the other hand, includes all those illnesses that are not related to a physical illness, like cancer or cerebral palsy. The term illness itself, can be used to refer to physical illness as well as mental illness.
The relationship between public health and wellbeing is significant in improving the quality of life for all. A healthy mind and healthy body lead to a healthy lifestyle, which is important in preventing diseases and maintaining a healthy weight. Likewise, poor health and unhealthy behaviours and conditions can lead to a number of other more complex medical conditions. A healthy lifestyle can also reduce the risk of premature death and other associated complications. This shows how the relationship between public health and wellbeing is more important than the need for particular types of health services and interventions.