The World Health Organization defines health as complete physical, mental, and social well-being. While many people may define health as the absence of disease, this definition excludes a segment of the population: older adults. In addition, the current definition of health excludes those who have chronic conditions. The change in disease definitions exacerbates the dissonance between the experience of long life and the current definition of health. Here are a few key ideas about the concept of health.
While most people would agree that the best way to define health is the absence of illness, the first definition is not accurate. Only a few people escape this category. While some people live longer and function better than average, the majority of us don’t. The truth is that health is one of the most important factors in handling stress and living a longer, more active life. To that end, the most common definitions of health are:
One of the main problems with this definition is that it’s too narrow. The WHO defined health as the absence of disease, but we’ve advanced in science and medical knowledge so much that new diseases have been identified. The medical profession can declare someone to be healthy, but a patient’s perception of their own health may be far different than the reality. Hence, it is important to remember that a person’s perception of his or her health does not matter if it is based on their own observation of behaviors that match the criteria of health.
The physical and mental health are inextricably linked. Evidence has accumulated over the last decade challenging the old notion that a mind and body are separate. Biological, behavioural, and social factors may all be involved in the association between health and mental illness. The relationship between the two is bidirectional and the results can be profound. If the human mind is not in balance, the relationship between the two will be compromised. A healthy lifestyle promotes positive physical and mental health.
The federal healthcare law requires providers to offer healthcare to patients regardless of their ability to pay. Patients can be charged for services on a sliding scale, and health insurance premiums must be lower than in urban areas. The law also requires the use of integrated care models and patient-directed clinical and financial operations. Further, the law requires hospitals to prioritize the needs of the patient and address gaps in care. Further, the law also requires these facilities to offer quality care regardless of their size.
The overall health of a person can be measured by the health triangle. The health triangle is a triangular structure with three sides – physical, mental, and social. The health triangle is important to your well-being because it is interconnected and influences each aspect of health. By balancing the three sides of the triangle, you can ensure that you’re living a life that balances all three of these aspects. The triangle represents the balance between mental, physical, and social health, and is an important indicator of overall wellness.