The Difference Between Medical Care and Wellness
Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is a state of full physical, mental and emotional well-being and not just the absence of illness and infirmity. A variety of such definitions have been applied over time with varying degrees of consistency. One current definition defines health as “the knowledge of, access to and experience of good health, the ability to attain and maintain it, and the maintenance of optimal relationships within the family unit and within society.” Health can be described as the sum total of the experiences an individual has in life that contribute to his or her ability to live a healthy life. It is a state in which one feels emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually and socially satisfied.
The experience of health varies with the individual’s age, culture, gender, cultural heritage, social class, and physical environment. Mental health on the other hand, has much more to do with one’s ability to cope with challenges in life. It is a state where one is able to enjoy life without debilitating mental illnesses such as depression or schizophrenia. Mental health therefore, is much more about how you feel rather than how you look or weigh. There is no doubt that a person who is healthy has good physical well-being, but in terms of psychological health, this is much more important.
The best way to achieve good health is to maintain a healthy diet and to get regular physical activity. Healthy diet refers to foodstuffs that are high in nutritional value as well as low in saturated fat, sugar, cholesterol, and other harmful substances. A good healthful diet can ensure that you live a long and disease free life. The two go hand in hand because good health depends on good nutrition.
Many people are now realizing the importance of health policy as they age. Because of this, many public health institutions have started offering programs aimed at promoting good health to older adults. There are many activities that older adults can engage in order to stay fit and healthy. Activities like walking, jogging, aerobic classes, swimming, and martial arts can help keep your body fit and in top shape.
On the other hand, there are also a growing awareness among healthcare professionals and the general public that maintaining psychological well-being is just as crucial as keeping up with your physical health. This is the reason why many mental health organizations today are concentrating on providing programs designed to promote well-being. These programs try to identify and target those at risk for developing any number of illnesses like depression, anxiety, and diabetes. They teach the use of exercises and meditation techniques that can reduce the physical symptoms associated with these mental illnesses.
In a nutshell, both health policies are aimed at ensuring a healthy mix of physical and mental well-being. In other words, you need both kinds of health care in order to ensure that you maintain a balanced level of health. Maintaining a healthy balance between the two requires effort, but it does not have to be a difficult task. In fact, all it takes is a little patience and commitment to ensure that you enjoy both kinds of health.