The importance of health is often underestimated. It can be defined as the condition of a person’s health and their ability to cope with their surroundings. People need healthy foods, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sleep to be at their best. Health concerns range from the ability to participate in society to the quality of life enjoyed by individuals.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Health is a state of full physical, mental and emotional well-being and not just the absence of sickness and disease.” Various definitions have been applied to the term over the years. The WHO defines good health as having the following five characteristics: a high level of education, a low incidence of chronic illness, sufficient intake of water and sanitation, and a moderate use of tobacco and other tobacco products. These are considered to be the essential elements of a healthy life style.
Health and illness are closely linked. Illness can lead to disability and poor health. There has been much debate on the link between illness and impairment. This is especially true in the medical model of illness and disease which emphasizes the idea that all illness has a personal cause and is treatable. In this view, disability is a result of a particular condition or trait. Although people who are intellectually disabled cannot expect to enjoy a full life since they cannot think or reason like normal persons, they can still enjoy public health measures such as education, employment, and medical care.
The debate continues on the definition of good health and the relation between public health and disability. There has been much debate on how to evaluate health. This has become a much debated topic because of the changing lifestyles and the increasing concerns over the determinants of mortality such as age, gender, and community. It is also the case that the determinants of health have become blurred because some behaviors are now considered to be indicators of good health. These may include physical activity, weight, and cholesterol level among others. In addition, health care services are becoming expensive as a result of these social determinants.
Health and well being is also a human right. It is also a responsibility of the state. The state has the duty to protect its citizens from the burdens of life. Health promotion is an essential part of the State’s duty to protect the welfare and health of its citizens. This is done by ensuring that the necessary programs and interventions are put in place so as to promote healthy life and physical well-being.
Health promotion is an important component of the universal health program. This policy encourages the maintenance of a healthy environment. It also promotes the prevention and cure of major illnesses and their effects. To achieve good health, it is important that people work towards the elimination of social determinants of health such as physical illness, mental health, and psychological illnesses.