Health is a fundamental human right. The highest attainable level of health is a basic human right, and the enjoyment of it is a precondition of happiness, peace, and well-being. While some definitions emphasize the benefits of health, others confuse the outcome of interest (health) with the processes that determine health. Regardless of the definition, there are several determinants of health that can be considered to be important. Here are some of these determinants.
An example is the ability to live well. The definition of health varies by individual. The last definition is particularly useful in understanding health, because it includes a social element that many other definitions do not include. It relates health to an individual’s capacity to function and participate in society. In other words, the definition of health should be based on the experiences of those living with health. The importance of social participation and good health is often overlooked.
The WHO’s definition of health highlights many of the challenges of living long. The first problem is that the term ‘complete health’ is a highly unrealistic goal. Very few people are ever completely healthy. It is also counterproductive, since it fails to account for chronic diseases and disabilities, and contributes to the over-medicating of society. Furthermore, the definition of health has evolved since the 1950s. In the 1950s, the causes of death ranked high: heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Today, these causes aren’t the only ones that have changed.
Health inequalities are systematic and avoidable. They manifest as differences in health outcomes, both within and across populations. Furthermore, health inequalities are observable across groups and are a social problem that requires political action. And, because health is an elusive concept, it is best understood in the context of a society. It is possible to eliminate inequalities by creating policies and interventions that promote health equity. And, of course, we should not ignore the social factors that influence health inequalities.
A healthy lifestyle is important to keep both mind and body functioning properly. It helps regenerate the mind and body. In other words, health is central to happiness and productivity. Hence, health should be the focus of every individual. Good nutrition is a key component of a healthy lifestyle. People with an active mind and body are happier and healthier than those who are unhealthy. It is also vital to keep the mind active and alert. By doing so, we can prevent diseases and improve our quality of life.
Health disparities may also be caused by inequities in resources and opportunities. For example, Native Americans, Blacks, and Hispanics have consistently faced obstacles to accessing good health and quality of life. Health disparities emerge when some individuals benefit more than others. In order to reduce these gaps, policymakers should focus on creating opportunities for all people to achieve better health. For instance, increased access to education and enrichment opportunities will improve health for the most disadvantaged.