Health and Well-Being

Optimal health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing. Enjoying the highest attainable level of health is a fundamental human right and an integral part of peace and well-being. Ultimately, attaining the optimum level of health requires the active co-operation of individuals. Although the pursuit of any state of health is a common goal, the quest for a perfect life is far from a realistic objective.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a resource that contributes to the well-being of a society and individual. A healthful lifestyle is an essential element of a fulfilling and meaningful life. In recent years, researchers have defined health as the capacity to withstand and adapt to a changing environment and new threats to well-being. These definitions are based on the scientific progress in the study of disease. However, this does not mean that every aspect of health can be measured by an established standard.

There are many aspects of health that are not easily measured. Public health programs are funded largely through national governments, donations and taxation. In addition to providing a vital service, they also help to promote the development of a society. Ideally, this would lead to a better quality of life for the entire population. The World Bank has an extensive database of public health resources, and many of them are categorized by topic. These databases provide information on various aspects of public health.