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 sickness and disease. A number of definitions have also been used over the years. For some, health is having an acceptable level of physical activities and exercises as well as the right diet. Other people define health in very different ways, as it includes being content with your personal hygiene, having moderate sleep patterns and having a balanced diet. Regardless of what definition you choose to use, health is important and maintaining it can be challenging.
People who have an overall good health and are physically fit have higher quality of life and live longer than those with a low healthy lifestyle. Being healthy generally allows you to live longer and to better manage your health problems. However, maintaining a good healthful lifestyle is not always easy. People need motivation, proper knowledge on how to lead an effective healthy life style and appropriate stress management skills as well as physical activity to combat infirmities. Below are some of the most common diseases and their prevention or treatment.
Cancer: Cancer is one of the leading killers worldwide and if you suspect that you are suffering from a disease, you should get yourself checked out. There are four types of cancer: leukemia, lung cancer, cervical cancer and prostate cancer. Most types of cancer are caused by the genes of an individual. These genes are passed down from parents to children. Therefore, if an individual has parents who have had cancer, chances are, they will also suffer from the disease.
Diabetes: People with diabetes have a malfunctioning pancreas that causes them to have frequent urination as well as high blood sugar levels. This often leads to serious illnesses such as heart disease, kidney disease and stroke. Since diabetes is caused by the body’s immune system not working properly, it is necessary to keep the body’s environment healthy and fit in order for the person with diabetes to be able to fight off illness. A healthy diet, regular exercise and a good hygiene helps the patient stay away from illness.
HIV/AIDS: AIDS is another form of lethal disease caused by the virus. Some forms of AIDS do not have known triggers; however, a person who has acquired the illness would most likely develop some symptoms such as extreme tiredness, loss of appetite, weight loss and body weakness. AIDS is spread by blood, which means that one can acquire the illness through blood transfusions. The presence of the t-cells, the characteristic protein needed to fight against the infection, remains after the person contracts the disease. Therefore, a healthy and clean environment in which the person lives is very important to prevent acquisition of the illness.
Respiratory Infections: Respiratory infections are contagious and may cause death. There are two types of respiratory infections: acute and chronic. An acute infection occurs in a short period of time and is usually easily treated whereas a chronic infection takes a long time to develop and can affect multiple organs of the body. The most common cause of a respiratory infection is the use of insecticides and other toxic chemicals which are applied to plants, soil and animals. This definition of healthy is a balanced life style and proper care for self and others which reduces the risk of developing health problems.
