Health Defined

Health is defined as the state of being in good physical and mental condition. Its definition encompasses the physical, mental, and social dimensions of life. This definition places the patient in a position of self-determination and independence. Although many people define health according to their medical conditions, the WHO does not necessarily agree on what constitutes a good state of health. To begin with, the WHO does not define health as the absence of disease. Its definition of health does include the management of disease and its effects on individuals.

Health is defined in quantitative terms, which are indicators of function, and the likelihood of imminent disease. Health measurements can be found in textbooks for diagnosis and clinical medicine. In addition to a medical diagnosis, a health examination will likely involve a series of tests to measure a person’s physical condition. While some tests are more descriptive than quantitative, others can indicate the presence of disease in an otherwise healthy person. Therefore, it is critical to discuss the context of a person’s physical health before determining how to treat it.

Physical and mental health are intimately linked and interrelated. Often, a physical illness will negatively affect an individual’s life, impairing their ability to carry out basic tasks, such as eating or sleeping. Consequently, it can result in depression, stress, financial problems, or mobility issues. Furthermore, mental illnesses can also affect a person’s body weight and overall function. Ultimately, physical and mental health are important for a person’s overall quality of life.