Health concepts and applications

Health

My definition of "Health"

In the past few decades, technological progress and economic growth have led to improvements in human health, causing a rise in the average age of the population in addition to population growth. As a result of these medical advancements, the term "health" has been subject to a number of different definitions. For example, the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language defines "health" as "the overall condition of an organism at a given time; soundness, especially of body or mind; freedom from disease or abnormality (American Heritage Dictionary, 2005)." Another widely accepted definition of health is that of the World Health Organization (WHO), which defines it as the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. My own definition of health combines both the definitions of the American Heritage Dictionary and the WHO, and leans closer toward the WHO's definition. My definition of health is the overall condition of an organism, including the mental and physical state. I think that this definition should include the fact that a lack of a physical illness or ailment does not mean that a person is in good health. The term "health" should incorporate an ability to lead a socially and economically productive life. My definition of "health" would differ depending on the circumstances; for example, the definition would vary among health care providers, patients, doctors, dentists and medical policy-makers alike. Overall, my definition would combine both an organism's physical and mental state, and the manner in which both states adapt to, change and react in response to the particular organisms' life. Finally, "health" is a term that would describe any organism's complete characteristics.

My Health- Promoting Behaviors

In the medical profession, health-promoting behaviors are important and constantly stressed as important. Two of my health promoting behaviors are the fact that I am not a smoker, and that I constantly drink water throughout the day. I believe that being a non-smoker is not only a health-promoting behavior because of the well-known risks associated with smoking, such as lung cancer and respiratory problems, but also for other reasons. For example, a non-smoker's senses of smell and taste are better, and skin, hair and breath smell fresher. Since I do not smoke, less carbon monoxide in my system allows my lungs to work more efficiently, and exercising is easier. Blood pressure is also more "normal" in non-smokers, and their immune system is stronger. There are also many financial benefits associated with not smoking, such as the enormous amount of money that can be saved from not buying cigarettes. The amount of money spent on cigarettes, doctor appointments and visits and other related bills, such as laundry, lead to lower bills. Since being healthy includes a sound mind, less worrying over financial problems leads to a stronger, sounder mind.

Drinking a lot of water throughout the day is another health-promoting behavior. Drinking a lot of water adds natural moisture to your skin, giving a fresh glow today and helping the aging process tomorrow. It also helps when I exercise to drink more water because being properly hydrated during exercise allows me to have a better, more productive workout. Drinking water also improves my energy and increases both my mental and physical performance. Additionally it allows for proper digestion and relieves headaches and dizziness. For those reasons I believe that not smoking and drinking water regularly are two of my important health-promoting behaviors.

My Detrimental Health Behaviors

As improvements in health become more necessary and evident, the medical industry will continue to work to improve the overall health of all individuals. However, I have two behaviors that are detrimental to my health, worrying often and poor sleeping habits. Worrying too much is a behavior that is detrimental to my health because it affects my mental health. Worrying does not have any benefits; it does not do you any good, and it may push you over the edge. Worrying can also cause excess stress and addictions, which are not good for the mind. Once I start worrying, things are blown out of proportion, which only causes me to worry more, and the cycle repeats itself. Worrying can also cause addictions, which preoccupies you with whatever you are addicted to that it makes performing other tasks extremely difficult, if not impossible.