Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is a state of full physical, emotional and social well being and not just the absence of sickness and disease. A variety of definitions have likewise been applied to it over the years. A definition of health that is often used is something along the lines of being healthy, well balanced, having optimum nutrition, and having an optimal level of energy. It is also necessary to maintain a state of mental and emotional well being.
Health is an ongoing process, and not a state. A definition of healthy life would be to live a healthy life throughout all of one’s life. It is an ongoing and lifelong process that involves managing disease, building resilience, maintaining proper health and maintaining good health. As disease is a complex response to biological vulnerabilities, healthy living is a complex response to environmental stresses that we can all deal with. There is no need to learn and understand all the definitions of healthy living, what makes us healthy and how to manage it; we just need to understand what it is to begin with.
People who are healthy and well balanced have balanced emotions and feelings. Healthy people feel good about themselves and their lives, are optimistic, positive, and positive about the future. They have high energy and are able to manage stress well. A healthy person’s physical health is excellent, and he or she is usually very alert and has good vision and hearing, can move around easily and does not require a great deal of rest. Healthy people have balanced diets and consume a variety of foods from all around the world.
A person who is mentally healthy has an attitude of satisfaction with his or her self-esteem, and has learned to deal successfully with problems, have realistic expectations and realistic feelings about the world. A healthy individual has an interest in education, and values the value of working hard at making something, whether it is a career or a hobby. These individuals are satisfied with the way they look, with the body they have in shape, with the relationships they have with other people, and with their daily habits. People who are healthy have healthy relationships with their children, spouse, parents, and friends. People who are healthy have a sense of humor, and enjoy the things in their life that bring happiness, such as families, friends, and vacations.
Public health is important for everyone, but especially for those of us who are older or have certain conditions. The Department of Health and Human Services is a valuable resource for all Americans, and works diligently to prevent disease, to keep our food and water clean, to promote healthy practices in the workplace, and to educate the public about illness, health, nutrition, and the prevention of diseases that are preventable through education, awareness, and cooperation. Prevention is better than treatment, and the more we can do to prevent disease, the fewer people will end up needing expensive treatments. The government is a great source for information on disease prevention and wellness. Many community organizations work hand-in-hand with the government to promote healthy lifestyles, such as food shopping programs, needle exchanges, and summer camps for immunizations.
There are many resources that Americans can use to achieve their goals of healthy living, including fitness centers, schools, media advertisements, and organizations focused on promoting physical fitness. The goal of promoting health equity should not just be for increased life expectancy, but for everyone’s overall well-being. Healthy living lowers the burden on Medicare and Medicaid recipients, reduces premiums paid by younger, healthier citizens, improves the health of those with disabilities, and ensures that all Americans can afford the quality health care that they need. America’s commitment to social justice should never stop us from going the extra mile to ensure every citizen has the opportunity to live a healthy, full life. Our country has a lot of work to do, but we are on the right track!