Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is a condition “of full physical, mental and emotional well-being with no limitation of body or mind.” A wide variety of definitions have previously been used for purposes. These range from persons with one normal or above Normal blood pressure to persons with multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or developmental disabilities. While it has often been thought that physical wellness includes healthy eating and exercising, other factors such as sleep, stress, and environmental triggers, are also important aspects of good health. As defined by the American Heart Association, health is “the absence of dangerous risk factors” that can lead to death, while mental wellness is the ability to cope with stressful life situations with an ability to adapt successfully.
According to statistical research on life expectancy of persons in developed countries, the average lifespan is around seventy years, which has been steadily dropping in developed countries like USA and UK. One of the major reasons for this is the rising level of disability and disease, which are prevalent in the population in developed countries. Studies have shown that poor nutrition and unhealthy behaviours, such as smoking and use of alcohol, contribute significantly to this rise in the cases of disability and disease.
In order to improve health and live a better quality of life, it is essential to develop a sense of self, values, beliefs, and well-being. Healthy people have greater potential to contribute to society, improve the state of their physical well-being, and maintain optimal mental well-being. When individuals feel better about themselves, they tend to take better care of their health and are more likely to take preventive measures, seek medical attention, and treat their disease when necessary. This leads to longer life expectancies, lower healthcare expenses, and a higher quality of life for those who suffer from illness or disability.
On the other hand, when an individual with a mental illness or disability shows signs of worsening mental health, they are at high risk of developing a number of serious diseases and illnesses including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems, and depression. This is because well-being is affected by emotional well-being, and individuals who are emotionally stable are better able to take control of their health and well-being. Therefore, a person who is emotionally stable will be better able to deal with stressors, manage their emotions, and lead a healthy lifestyle. The absence of a sense of self and negative beliefs about one’s self leads to feelings of worthlessness, thus exacerbating the effects of stress on the body, mind and spirit.
Poor well-being has been correlated with a number of serious health risks and illnesses including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, respiratory illness, depression and stress. The absence of wellness can also lead to higher levels of mortality compared to those who are healthy and well-informed. It has also been shown that those who are physically inactive and overweight are more likely to develop disease and illness than those who are fit and thin. Thus, being physically fit not only ensures overall good health but is also a good prevention from the development of certain illness and disease.
There is no denying the reality that wellness encompasses a person’s total well-being in all areas of life including physical, mental, and emotional health. There are a number of signs that a person is healthy and fit, which includes a general sense of well-being, a sense of connectedness to family and friends, optimism about the future, and the ability to make healthy choices. These attributes are indicators of the absence of chronic diseases and illness and a longer lifespan.