Health is a condition of mental, physical and social well being where infirmity and illness are absent. A number of definitions have been used for different purposes throughout the history of medical science. Modern doctors use a broad range of terms to describe and diagnose health. Some of these terms are age-related, disease related, disorder, syndrome, and critical care.
Health is considered a mental, physical and social state that affects the capability to engage in socially advantageous behaviors. It is also related to life expectancy. This has a profound effect on job opportunities in a country. A study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that those with higher levels of health were more likely to have greater job satisfaction and be in better health and live longer than those with lower levels of health. Employment rates of nurses and other healthcare professionals with higher than average health were higher than those with lower than average health.
Another study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that health was determined by five “natural determinants” which are demographics, economic resources, work habits, quality of life, and the social determinants of health. The latter, social determinants of health, comprised of factors such as the neighborhood, educational resources, health care access, job opportunities, and other natural environments, were more important to healthier living. The study concluded that health is related to the quality of life resulting from the determinants. Greater job opportunities and better health outcomes would improve the health and wellness of individuals.
The concept of health promotion refers to the use of various methods and devices to promote overall mental, physical and social well being. These could include diet, exercise, social activities, and self care. Health promotion also includes policies that require the protection of individual health and the promotion of healthy environments. A healthy economy can only be achieved if the country’s citizens have access to quality health services and are encouraged to practice good health habits.
Population health services are concerned with the general health of the population, as well as the quality of life developed by members of the population. Vital health services include nutrition and food sources, immunization programs, and treatment for chronic and life-threatening diseases. Community health services focus on the overall health of the local population and its prevention through community-based interventions. Prevention and early detection of diseases are essential for maintaining the overall quality of life and preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
Preventive health care is an area of continuous research and includes improved identification and assessment of risk factors and improvements in individual behavior and lifestyle choices. The goal is to provide healthy solutions to complex health problems by improving the individual behavior that promotes good health, such as regular exercise, diet, and weight management. The improvement of individual behavior can improve the overall health outcomes of people in all ages.