Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is a condition that is the state of being healthy, able to sustain normal activity and maintenance of a healthy body weight. Various definitions have also been used over the years for various purposes. A well-balanced diet and exercise are essential for good health, and even small amounts of some foods like vegetables and fruits can aid in health promotion. For those individuals that tend to be overweight or out of shape, health education and counseling can help in controlling health risks and improving quality of life.
The National Cancer Institute has outlined a nine-step definition of health that includes, among other things, the ability to love your body and be committed to healthy behaviors such as keeping weight at a minimum. According to this definition, to be considered physically healthy an individual must be in good overall health, have reasonable knowledge about his or her health, be willing to make an effort to protect that health and have the willingness to change when necessary. The next step of this definition is to determine what type of physical activity a person is willing to engage in, and to what extent. These activities include: physical exercise, stretching, use of weight-loss or resistance training equipment, and use of body mass and muscle strength for performance of exercises or to overcome a medical condition. The next step in this process is to consider any potential diseases and conditions that might arise in the future. This includes the prevention of cancer, controlling blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, obesity, and other similar conditions.
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), a better definition of healthcare delivery is a process by which individuals can achieve the best possible health through coordinated care, which takes into account the unique needs of each person. The definition defines health care as “the process by which people get and maintain the health that they need and can attain”. According to this agency, this definition is intended to provide a clear focus on the important distinctions between the public and private sector. As such, both sectors have specific responsibilities that are required to ensure a high quality health system.