Health is a condition of mental, physical and social well being where illness and infirmity are either absent or the cause is not known. Many different definitions have been applied to health since time immemorial. In our day and age there are numerous ways by which we can measure, classify and improve health.
Health can be broadly defined as the absence of disease or physical deformity. It also implies physical and mental well-being. There are many theories that relate to health. Some of these include; psychological health, physiological health, social health, and psychosocial health. The theory of the three-tier system refers to the interrelatedness of physical, emotional, and mental health and is described by the acronym SMART.
The acronym SMART outlines health issues as; physical, mental, and social. Mental health issues are referred to as mental illnesses or mental disorders. These can include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, psychosis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and bipolar, related disorder. Physical health issues are all those components that pertain to the body and its tissues. These components include; arthritis, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, cancer, and vision care.
Emotional health encompasses the ability to enjoy one’s life while being able to adjust and deal with stress and emotional challenges. This ability is vital to one’s well-being. Psychological or mental health can also be a component of physiological health, which is composed of; self-rated physical and mental health, the self-rated medical health, functioning from self-rated and objective ratings of health, and emotional health. The goal of every person to attain good health is through a combination of appropriate levels of physical activity, good nutrition, and a regular regimen of stress management and relaxation techniques.
Occupational therapy is a process of working with people who have certain physical limitations that make it difficult for them to function normally in everyday activities. Occupational therapists are specially trained in the assessment, prevention, and correction of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. They also provide education on ergonomics and safety at work. Some of the disorders and injuries treated through occupational therapy include; tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Public health is concerned with the improvement of health among the population. It is the responsibility of public health, to protect the public from diseases that are communicable. The primary goals of public health are; preventing the spread of diseases, preventing development of new diseases, and preventing death due to such diseases. Prevention is better than cure. Public health aims at the promotion of healthy behaviors and practices, the maintenance of quality and timely health services, and the improvement of the economic status of people living in communities. Public health serves as a catalyst to control and reduce environmental health risks like indoor pollution, smoking, and other tobacco use.