Know Your Health Status

health

Know Your Health Status

Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is a condition “of full physical, emotional and social well being and not just the absence of sickness and disease”. Various definitions have been utilized over the years for different purposes. While some consider it the state that one experiences when the body is in its normal functioning condition, others consider it to be the state when the normal function of the body ceases to function properly due to some serious disorder or abnormality in the system.

Stress can have a direct or indirect effect on our health status. Direct effects include increased blood pressure, heart rate, etc., while indirect effects include depressed mood, overeating, increased smoking, increased alcohol consumption, etc. Some health conditions are influenced by stress. For instance, those who have psychological disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post traumatic stress disorder, etc., are more likely to develop mental illnesses. Similarly, those who are physically obese, experience chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart diseases, etc., are at a greater risk of developing chronic diseases like cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

The definition of good health has also undergone a tremendous change over the years. In the earlier days, physical fitness was equated with good health, and now this view has completely changed. In fact, many persons, especially women, consider health to be material possessions. They spend a large amount of money on physical fitness and keep very fit and in shape. But the prevailing view today is that good health depends on having a happy and fulfilling life. Mental and physical fitness are equally important and thus both should be given equal importance in a person’s lifestyle.

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