Health is not merely the absence of illness

Health is not merely the absence of illness

When the word “health” pops up, what comes to your mind? Is it diets? Vegetables? No more desserts? Well, the official definition released by the Constitution of the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that “health is not merely the absence of disease but also it is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being”.

According to the definition delivered to us by WHO, it can be understood that health is not only the absence of diseases but it is also composed of bodily, emotional, intellectual, social and material parts that are vital to the human being for a healthy self.  

As WHO clearly states the types of health that are important for a person to be considered healthy, it is important that we maintain our health through a healthy lifestyle rather than waiting for the time until we are sick to set things right. Maintaining wellness and optimal health is a lifelong commitment.

Steps that can help us maximize our health includes; eating a balanced diet, physical activity, managing stress, being optimistic, engaging in activities that will enhance connection with people as well as screening for diseases that may present at risk.

Keeping in mind the definition provided to us by WHO, we can say that a person who is incapable of socializing in his/her daily life or has a sedentary lifestyle, cannot be considered healthy. In comparison to this person, a person with a good social life and physically active lifestyle is considered a healthy person. Moreover, a person in capable of managing stress will not be considered healthy. Not forgetting that diet also plays an important role for a person to be physically fit. 

Therefore, it can be concluded that health is not just absence of diseases but it is physical, emotional and mental fitness. Anyone lacking in these will not be considered healthy. An individual need to be physically, emotionally and mentally fit in order to be called as healthy.