From Wikipedia,
the free encyclopedia.
- For the science of human
and animal health, see
Health science.
Defined negatively, health
is the absence of illness,
functionally, as the ability to
cope with everyday activities, or
positively, as fitness and
well-being. In any
organism, health is a
form of
homeostasis. This is a state
of balance, with inputs and
outputs of
energy and
matter in equilibrium
(allowing for growth). Health also
implies good prospects for
continued survival. In sentient
creatures such as humans, health
is a broader concept.
Many definitions of health have
been offered from time to time.
Webster's Dictionary
defines health as "the condition
of being sound in body, mind or
spirit, especially freedom from
physical disease or pain". The
Oxford English Dictionary
defines health as "soundness of
body or mind; that condition in
which its functions are duly and
efficiently discharged". Dubos
(1968) defined health as " a
modus vivendi enabling
imperfect men to achieve a
rewarding and not-too-painful
existance while they cope with an
imperfect world".
However, the most widely
accepted definition is that of the
World Health Organization
Constitution. It states that
health is "not merely the
absence of disease and infirmity
but a state of optimal physical,
mental and social well being"
(World Health Organization, 1946).
In more recent years, this
statement has been amplified to
include the ability to lead a
"socially and economically
productive life". The WHO
definition is not without
criticism, mainly that it is too
broad. Some argue that health
cannot be defined as a state at
all, but must be seen as a process
of continuous adjustment to the
changing demands of living and of
the changing meanings we give to
life. It is a dynamic concept. the
WHO definition is therefore
considered by many as an
idealistic goal rather than a
realistic proposition. Using the
WHO definition classifies 70-95%
of people as unhealthy. In spite
of the above limitations, the
concept of health as defined by
WHO is broad and positive in its
implications. It sets out a high
standard for positive health. It
represents the overall goal that
nations should strive to reach.
The most solid aspects of
wellness that fit firmly in the
realm of
medicine are the
environmental health,
nutrition,
disease prevention, and
public health matters that can
be investigated and assist in
measuring well-being.
See also
Notes and references
