Health is the condition of the body and mind, and it encompasses several factors, such as a person’s emotional and mental well-being, physical activity, nutrition, and social connections. It is a central component of living a happy and productive life.
Multiple definitions of health exist, ranging from a precise biomedical or physical definition (absence of negative biologic circumstances—altered DNA, abnormal physiologic states, disease, disability, or death) to the broad definition formulated by the World Health Organization: “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” The latter perspective offers the advantage of easier measurement and clarity about causal links between medical and public health care systems and measured outcomes. However, it risks assigning to the health system full responsibility for individuals’ economic and social welfare and may lead to initiatives that are unfeasible given the constraints of medical and public resources.
A broad view of health can help researchers, policymakers, and practitioners develop more effective strategies to improve the health of communities. For example, it may be important to consider how to improve access to healthcare and encourage healthful behaviors, such as promoting physical activity, improving diets, and avoiding unhealthy habits, such as smoking. It is also important to understand how environmental and personal factors, including lifestyles and genetic endowment, shape the health of individuals. Further, health may be enhanced by a resilient approach that allows people to adapt and thrive in a dynamic environment.