Good Health Depends on Excess of Medical Care

Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is a condition in which “the human body is free from infectious and pathogenic microorganisms and in balance with its physiological and metabolic processes.” A variety of other definitions have also been used over time to describe the condition. For the purposes of this article, a general definition of health will do. It describes a state of well being that has desirable physical, emotional, and psychological attributes.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “A healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management are the cornerstones of a healthy lifestyle. Healthy habits include reducing the risk of chronic diseases, maintaining weight at an appropriate level, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol abuse. These habits may prevent serious diseases such as coronary artery disease, diabetes, and cancer, and promote longevity.” The definition above is most likely to apply to those who smoke, have underweight or obese children, or have high blood pressure. These are all serious conditions that can lead to disease, but absence of these conditions does not provide a good health status.

According to another popular definition, “Expectancy of death for patients in developed countries, where life expectancy continues to grow, is approaching 80 years.” This is, of course, a statistical product of medical care available for the people of this planet. It is likely that if it were applied to all people of this earth, there would be a slight increase in mortality from disease. This may be due to underability of medical care to some cultures, or to the economic strength of the country in question.