Health, according to the World Health Organization, is “the condition of being healthy”. Various definitions have also been applied for various purposes over the years. The best definition however is that defined by the WHO as “excellent health with balanced personal responsibility”.
The definition of good health is a combination of physical, mental, social and economic aspects. It also includes the ability to perform work and cope with everyday life in a normal way. This ability is dependent on a good diet, exercise and regular participation in recreational activities. A physically healthy individual is able to carry out their day to day activities without difficulties.
For a person to be regarded as having good health, they must have the ability to make informed decisions regarding their health, food, health and physical environment. Health and wellbeing is influenced by a number of external factors such as the quality of the community in which they live, their occupational environment and the relationships they have with others. Having a healthy lifestyle can improve physical health, emotional health and mental health and contribute to the overall wellbeing of the nation. Community health is an important element in promoting good health because it brings together people from all walks of life and builds trust among them to support each other in facing challenges and maintaining good health and well being.
The concept of “life expectancy” is an aspect of subjective wellbeing. “Life expectancy” is an average expected lifespan based on age and is normally presented as a standard range for adults. Longer life expectancy has been associated with higher rates of survival and with reduced levels of disability and illness. This concept is the outcome of current research and is the same used to assess levels of health and wellness. Quality of life is influenced by a person’s physical health and their emotional health and it is measured using various questionnaire techniques.
Societal class is a sociological category that refers to differences in life expectancy. Low life expectancy means that someone will live a shorter time than the norm; a high life expectancy indicates a longer period of time during which an individual will be alive. People who are considered to be at risk or suffering from some form of chronic health condition are considered to be at a higher risk of contracting chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. These types of diseases are not preventable and can only be curbed with the right diet, exercise and medical treatment. The concept of life expectancy is an intricate one and many studies over the years have provided estimates based on different statistical models. Experts in the field conduct studies to try and determine better ways of preventing disease, particularly by improving nutrition, physical activity and creating supportive environments.
People who do not enjoy their lives and have little positive interactions with others are said to be at high risk of developing mental illnesses. Mental health and illness are usually determined through research using a variety of methods. A person with frequent headaches is at higher risk of developing chronic headaches, while someone who has more stable diets and does regular exercises is less likely to develop health problems related to obesity. Other diseases that have higher incidences of occurrence in people who are diagnosed with mental illness include depression, post traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, psychosis and schizophrenia.
