Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is a condition of full physical, mental and emotional well being and not just the absence of illness and infirmity. A number of definitions have also been used over the years for different medical purposes. In the United States, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) defines health as a state of healthy living. It is also important to remember that health is affected by the quality of life. The definition of “well-being” is more inclusive, reflecting an individual’s ability to enjoy his life to the fullest.
In order to understand health and its relation with individual behavior and context, it is important to understand the relationship between health services and social factors. Health services are mainly designed to promote optimal health, but may also include medical treatments. Some health services focus on disease prevention and control, while other focuses on patient care. Preventive health strategies include practices aimed at improving the individual’s knowledge about current health conditions and how to prevent or delay diseases that could develop in the future, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Disease control and management strategies involve using medications and health care products to prevent the occurrence and progression of diseases, helping people live healthy and normal lives.
These health services are interrelated and often intertwined with each other, especially when disease has spread within a community or the wider population. For example, good nutrition and regular exercise can improve the physical condition of an individual, which can then contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Regular physical activity helps alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which can result in poor health conditions. However, these lifestyle choices cannot alone prevent the development of cardiovascular, heart disease, and cancer, and thus nutritional counseling and exercise are important aspects of any comprehensive plan for good health maintenance.