Health, according to the World Health Organization, is a condition that “has a favorable quality in relation to health, safety, and quality of life.” Various definitions have also been applied to health over the years. The ultimate goal of the definition is to ensure adequate protection and encouragement for the achievement of optimum health for the individual and for the community at large. In its most basic sense, health covers the full spectrum of physical, mental, and social aspects of an individual’s life.
A good physical health condition refers to a capacity to perform the activities of daily living with a minimum of pain and discomfort. It also refers to a capacity to work productively and to be productive within the community in which one lives. A mental health condition on the other hand, refers to the ability to enjoy life and the strength of the will. Mental disorders include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychosis, schizophrenia, and post traumatic stress disorders. Both physical and mental health conditions affect each other in a complex fashion.
The relationship between mental illness and physical illness is complex. First, a person with a mental disorder may experience physical discomfort but may not display any physical signs of illness. This is because the symptoms of illness can mask the presence of psychological problems. For instance, the effects of stress on the body may manifest themselves as headaches, back aches, or other non-specific pains, which do not point to a more serious physical problem. Similarly, physical symptoms generated by mental illnesses do not always point to a more serious underlying issue.
The field of health science has made great progress towards understanding mental and physical disorders, and how they interact. Advances in health science research and analysis have led to a better understanding of the causes of disease, how they develop and how to cure them. The field has also created some important tools for helping to improve the health of the population, such as medication and prevention programs. Much progress has been made in recent years in detecting and treating common diseases, like cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as more rare diseases.
There are a few exceptions to this first, second and third definition of disease. Acute infections such as streptococcus pneumoniae, viral meningitis, herpes, influenza, and acquired immune deficiency syndrome do not fit into the first or third definition of illness. In addition, most sexually transmitted diseases do not fit into the first or third definition of illness. However, sexually transmitted diseases can be considered to be a form of chronic disease if symptoms are present for longer than six months.
A complete physical examination is usually the first step for all healthcare professionals. This includes a physical examination of the body, a complete blood count, heart rate, and lungs. The environment should be cleaned and sanitized, especially if the patient will be bedside. Emotional stress can often lead to infections that manifest physically. Finally, a complete physical and emotional examination should always be followed by a mental status examination, in order to rule out any mental health issues such as depression, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, that can lead to infections.