When a person encounters an allergen, it might produce a rash. But when the same person goes into contact with that same allergen again, it can produce a range of reactions from mild to severe, including death. Understanding people’s empirical perceptions of health is essential in meeting their needs and helping them achieve their aspirations. It can also enable them to address the challenge of societally prescribed values and theoretical positions.
Physical
A person is considered healthy when they have a strong and vigorous body,
are not suffering from mental problems or emotional disturbances, and are not
experiencing any physical illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, or heart disease.
However, health is a complex and subjective concept and people may have
different definitions of it. Generally, most people define health as an absence
of disease or illness and this view has led to a great deal of scientific
research focused on discovering ways to prevent and treat diseases and other
physical impairments.
The goal of these studies is to promote a positive health status and reduce
the incidence of various diseases and other physical impairments, which are
commonly attributed to lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diet, lack of
exercise and excessive smoking. Health science is a broad field and encompasses
a variety of sub-fields including biology, biochemistry, physics, epidemiology,
pharmacology, and medical sociology.
In modern society, a person’s health is often defined according to their ability to function and to adapt to the changing environment. This understanding of health was most clearly expressed by French physician Georges Canguilhem in 1943 in his book The Normal and the Pathological. Canguilhem rejected the idea that there was a single, statistically defined state of health and instead saw it as something that varies from person to person depending on their functional needs. The constitution of the World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. Many nation states have also endorsed the concept, enshrined it within their constitutions and are legally obliged to ensure the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health by all members of their communities.
Mental
Mental health encompasses emotional well-being, a sense of personal control
and the ability to manage one’s emotions and behaviour. It is about being able
to work productively and interact in healthy relationships. It is about being
able to deal with life’s challenges and be resilient to trauma.
It is a complex phenomenon and includes symptoms like depression, anxiety,
mood disorders, stress and addictions. It is not something to be ashamed of and
can be treated. Mental illnesses can have a direct impact on physical health,
for example, they can increase the risk of substance misuse and suicide which
may contribute to higher rates of cardiovascular disease, lung infections and
respiratory diseases such as asthma and allergies. It can also lead to a
decreased immune response that can result in increased viral and bacterial infections
such as influenza, common cold and pneumonia (WHO, 2016).
Unlike physical health, which is largely defined by objective medical tests and interventions, there are many factors that influence one’s mental health. These can include genetics, life events, lifestyle choices, stress and social support. It is essential to address the determinants of mental health, including reducing poverty and vulnerability, implementing social protections, addressing discrimination and inequalities, improving access to education, healthcare, decent jobs, affordable housing and community services. In addition, a lack of knowledge and understanding can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to manage their own health. For instance, a study found that more than half of working-age adults in the United Kingdom had a poor understanding of what mental health and illness meant. This can hinder people from seeking help and receiving the right treatment when they need it.
Social
The biopsychosocial model views health as much more than a lack of disease or injury. It encompasses physical, emotional, and social well-being, as well as a person’s environment. It also takes into account social factors that affect a person’s ability to thrive, such as housing, food insecurity, education, and access to jobs and services. These are known as the social determinants of health. The CDC states that the “social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, live, work, play, and worship.” This includes things like air pollution, access to healthy foods, educational opportunities, and crime rates. People who do not have access to these resources are at a higher risk for certain health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes. This is often the case for marginalized racial and ethnic groups and low income households.
Studies have found that social determinants account for 30-55% of health outcomes. Moreover, they are more important than healthcare and lifestyle choices. This is why addressing them is essential to improving overall health and reducing longstanding inequities. However, the new directions pursued by the Trump Administration may limit funding and programs focused on addressing them. Promoting healthy communities means that everyone is given the opportunity to achieve their full health potential. This can only be achieved if health is placed higher on the scales of values, and individuals take actions that are in line with their own and community’s beliefs. It also means that people take responsibility for their health and wellbeing, making sure they are taking action to prevent and treat diseases. It is also about ensuring that every person has equal access to healthcare and services.
Spiritual
Spirituality is a belief system or approach to life that offers hope, comfort, and strength. Whether this comes from religion, meditation, prayer, or something else, it can contribute to your overall health and well being. It can also help you cope with illness, stress, and death. Studies show that people who are more spiritual are healthier and have better coping abilities. In one study, researchers looked at the effects of spirituality on mental health in chronic patients with serious illnesses. They found that spirituality is related to fewer symptoms of mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, and a better prognosis. The authors of the study recommend that patients with chronic diseases should be evaluated for their spiritual health and, if necessary, should receive assistance in improving it.
Another study found that spirituality is a significant predictor of mental well-being and coping in patients with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses. It can even prevent or delay the onset of mental disorders, such as stress and anxiety. In addition, it can improve the quality of life in patients with mental disorders and help them recover from them. Those who have a strong spirituality tend to have better coping skills and are more likely to be optimistic about their future, KidsHealth reports. They are also less prone to self-destructive behaviors, such as smoking and drug abuse. Regardless of your spiritual beliefs, it is important to have them as part of your life. Then you can achieve balance in every area of your life, which is essential to good HEALTH. The information contained in this leaflet is intended to provide general guidance only and does not constitute professional or specialist advice.
Emotional
Mental health, which includes emotional wellbeing, is an important aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Having a positive outlook and strong self-esteem can help people deal with life challenges. This can also lead to better relationships with others. Being emotionally healthy means being aware of your emotions, including the negative ones, and knowing how to handle them. It also means being able to recognize when a situation is too much and seek professional help. Emotionally unhealthy people may suffer from depression, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem or feelings of sadness and irritability. Those who are emotionally well can keep problems in perspective and bounce back quickly from setbacks. They are able to manage their emotions, and they know when to seek help from a doctor. They are able to identify their personal values and live by them.
Studies have shown a link between being upbeat and having physical signs of good health, such as lower blood pressure and risk of heart disease, healthier weight and blood sugar levels, and a greater sense of overall contentment. Emotional wellness can be helped by a number of things, such as recognizing and dealing with emotions, stress management, exercising regularly, establishing positive social connections, and focusing on what is important to the individual. People with good emotional health are usually able to find ways to balance work and family, take care of themselves physically, and have healthy relationships. They are able to express their feelings, even the negative ones, without being overwhelmed or letting those feelings control them. In contrast, those with poor emotional health tend to find it hard to cope and often have difficulty in sustaining their relationship with themselves.
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