An Overview of the Definition of Health

Health is a state of optimum physical, mental and emotional well being where infirmity and illness are absent. It encompasses a range of concepts to identify the quality of life. In essence, health is associated with the entire body, mind and spirit which are interrelated. Various definitions have been employed over the years for various purposes. One of the major tenets of health is that it is the sum total of the body, mind and spirit or the “Pleiades” as it is called by classical Greek philosophers. According to them, health is the only way to attain happiness.

Health is the state of complete contentment with ones physical, mental and emotional condition in all areas. It therefore includes pain, pulse, temperature, respiration, appetite, and sleeping. It is also inclusive of mental health, which includes thinking, judgment, memory, learning, speech, sense of smell, taste, touch, and even spiritual health. Mental health is inclusive of emotional health, social mood, and interpersonal skills.

The definition of health is quite difficult as there are many factors that affect a person’s health. An individual’s general health condition has a great deal to do with his/her attitude towards life. The kind of food one eats, one’s education, family background, work history, health insurance, and physical fitness are some of the factors that affect a person’s health. The definition of “unhealth” also differs among various cultures and communities, as does the idea of being “unwell”. In one definition of health, being unwell means suffering from sickness without experiencing pain, discomfort, or even discernible physical discomfort. In another definition, the word “unwell” means experiencing illness with symptoms like pain, discomfort, or discernible physical discomfort.