Importance of Public Health
Healthy, as defined by the World Health Organization, is being “in good physical condition and not necessarily just the absence of illness and disease.” Various definitions have been employed over the years for different purposes. In the United States, we often use the dictionary definition, which defines healthy as being in proper health. On another hand, some people believe that a person who is healthy has no emotional needs or desires. This definition could be applied to one’s emotional well-being, too. Being healthy may require you to have enough money to live, but it does not require you to be happy with your life.
According to recent studies, the best definition of “human health” is being “at optimal health,” which means being at the optimum physical condition for your age, breed, gender, and physical features. Our physical environment includes our home, community, work, school, social environment, and the physical environment within the family. In this mental environment, it also includes personal interactions with others, schools, work, and other activities. Mental health is a mental state that includes an individual’s thought process, emotions, behavior, and communication. Mental disorders can be acute or chronic.
In the case of acute health conditions, these health conditions are sudden, unexpected, and serious. Acute health conditions include common illnesses like flu and colds, heart attacks, asthma, pneumonia, and skin diseases. Other acute health conditions include autoimmune diseases, hypertension, tuberculosis, and diabetes. Chronic health conditions include obesity, osteoporosis, asthma, depression, and other psychosomatic disorders. On the other hand, chronic health conditions include conditions that occur over a period of time, such as arthritis, HIV/AIDS, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and multiple sclerosis.
In addition to affecting the physical health, public health also has an impact on the mental health of an individual. The mental state of an individual can be affected by a variety of emotional, chemical, and physical factors. Stress and anxiety are the most common causes of poor mental health. Public health is concerned with the quality of life, the promotion of healthy behaviors and attitudes, and protection of the public from disease.
Public policies that promote good health can address many different issues related to illness and death. These policies aim to reduce the occurrence of death and illness by promoting a balanced lifestyle, promoting physical environment, and making food and other product sources available in a healthy manner. Healthy lifestyle choices include a regular exercise program, eating a healthy diet, consuming less alcohol and tobacco, quitting smoking, and making wise food choices. In addition, general practices related to sanitation and safety also contribute to good overall health.
Maintaining good health status is one of the most basic requirements for the proper functioning of society. It contributes to economic productivity and reduces the risks of contracting a range of chronic diseases. It is also necessary for maintaining social harmony and interaction. Illness and death can lead to social disintegration and the breakdown of human order. In order to preserve the quality of life, governments must invest substantial resources in research, development, policies, and programs to promote healthy living.