×

An Overview of the Field of Health

Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is a condition “of full physical, emotional and social well being and not simply the absence of illness and infirmity”. There are many definitions used for this condition, but most often it is considered to mean well-being with respect to health. There are many areas that are studied in the field of health, including nutrition, public health, exercise, geriatrics, and physiological conditions. There is also a division of health care that is often studies called “Pharmacology”.

health

The definition of health includes physical well-being, emotional well-being, and psychosocial well-being. Health is important to everyone, and there are many reasons that one would want to maintain good health. Some of the most common reasons for good health are things such as physical fitness, weight status, and a generally healthy lifestyle. Environmental factors such as pollution and stress can have an effect on health, and these can affect people from different walks of life. Stress and anxiety are commonly found among those who suffer from chronic illness and long-term diseases.

Many different types of illnesses exist and they range from mental health, which includes mood disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders, to mental wellness, which may be involved in conditions such as substance abuse or eating disorders. Both psychosocial and environmental factors can contribute to a person’s mental wellbeing. Mental health includes aspects of the self-esteem, motivation, and the ability to concentrate, while physical health includes aspects such as good health, weight status, and muscle tone. Environmentally, some factors that can have a profound effect on the health of a person include tobacco smoke, ultraviolet light, and noise.