The Role of Genetics in Health Risk
In many parts of the world, health is viewed as the absence of illness or disease. But health is much more than absence. It is a state of good health that has several underlying factors. It includes the ability to heal oneself from within; to cope with stress; to maintain proper nutrition and to manage other bodily functions; and most important, to cope with death. Health is not only the absence of illness or disease, but it is also having the capacity to live and work productively in spite of ongoing diseases.
Health, as described by the World Health Organization, is an “awareness of the full potential of human potential for health, happiness and successful adaptation to current and future environments.” Various definitions have been employed over the years for different purposes. Mental health, in particular, refers to a person’s capacity to live his life well. Mental health conditions can be categorized into two: psychological and physical health. The term can also be used to mean the quality of life and the ability to achieve the most basic needs in a healthy way. The mental health conditions include but are not limited to major mental illnesses like schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, etc.
The other aspect of this mental concept is the concept of social well-being. A healthy society is one in which people have access to adequate health, well-balanced diets, and physical activities that promote health. People who are healthy enjoy greater social well-being, including higher personal productivity, better interpersonal relationships, and lower rates of divorce and financial insecurity. Healthy people are happier with their lives and enjoy higher levels of physical health as well. They also have higher energy levels and perform at higher levels in school, work, and in sports. There are several theories that explain the relation between health and social well-Being.
One such theory is that people gain access to health determinants when they are capable of understanding and taking account of these determinants. People who are healthy can readily learn about these determinants and act accordingly. However, it is important to note that health determinants are not static. Determinants affect people differently in different ways. Hence, one cannot say that one characteristic determines another characteristic.
According to the third theory of the three perspectives of the public health agenda, people gain access to personal health only when they feel safe to do so. When they are healthy, they can easily identify health issues and seek help. It follows that if they are stigmatized because of health issues, they will be unlikely to seek treatment unless they are in extreme need. It also follows that stigmatized persons are more likely to lag behind other individuals in terms of personal health.
All these views are consistent with the assumption that the key to good health is self-care. A good health status is a product of an interrelated set of traits – good nutrition, regular exercise, balanced diet, regular social contact, and a healthy lifestyle. Health care institutions should promote the promotion of good health through encouraging healthy behaviors and promoting healthy technologies. They should also improve the identification of health problems and seek to provide timely diagnosis, prevention, and care for all individuals in the community.
