Improving Your Wellness and Well-Being

Health is a state of full physical, emotional and social well being where infirmity and disease are absent. Over time, various definitions have also been used for various purposes. Some people use the concept of health to denote the absence of disease, while other uses it to denote the absence of bodily illness. On the other hand, some refer to it as vital sign or indicator of health. It also has other implications such as maintaining optimal life style, preventing and controlling diseases, improving nutrition and encouraging physical activity. It is the state when the following are attained:

a. The absence of serious threat to your health. This can be illustrated through the absence of diseases, severe risk factors and adverse effects of diseases and infirmities. b. In the event that disease may reoccur, it would be less likely to cause death and loss of life.

c. A healthy body. This is defined as a body free from major illness that significantly affects normal activities. d. A reasonable chance to achieve a healthy lifestyle. This includes reasonable access to good foods, regular exercise, a balanced lifestyle and sufficient sleep.

e. A balanced mental health. Mental health is closely associated with physical health. This is manifested through positive emotions that reduce stress levels, social support and a healthier lifestyle. f. A balanced psychological well-being. This is manifested through a reduced risk of getting diagnosed with major diseases, controlled stress levels, social support and a healthier lifestyle.

g. Well-being. This is the result of a healthy mind, body and spirit. Mental well-being is influenced by the quality of relationships we have with other people and the way we manage our daily stresses. On the other hand, physical well-being is affected by the health issues related to our health care needs. For example, an individual’s physical health care needs are determined by appropriate food and exercise habits.

h. Self-esteem. Having higher self-esteem allows an individual to accept himself better. It also allows an individual to be more assertive when it comes to managing health problems. The absence of self-esteem can have negative implications especially to an individuals physical environment. The overall health and well being of an individual can be adversely affected if the person is not accepting of his or herself. This can lead to serious illnesses if not properly addressed.

j. Risk factors. Any illness can have certain risk factors that increase an individual’s chance of developing certain types of diseases. These risk factors include a family history of health problems and obesity, older age, gender, physical health, cultural diversity, socioeconomic status, and health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Risk factors can also be genetic, which means that some people are more susceptible to certain types of illnesses than others.

Health education, stress reduction techniques, nutrition, and physical activities play a critical role in improving the wellness of an individual. However, there are many other lifestyle choices that one can make that can significantly reduce your chance of getting any illness. Healthy eating, exercise, quitting smoking and maintaining a positive state of mind are important. Exercise can help you live a longer and disease free life. Healthy choices will ensure that you will live a longer and disease free life. Staying healthy requires everyone including children, teens, adults and the elderly to take on the responsibility of making sure they have a long and healthy life.