Health is a condition of mental, physical and social well being where infirmity and illness are absent. In recent years several definitions have also been employed for medical purposes. The definition may be either exact or relative to a particular reference, such as to population, an individual or group or the community at large. Some people tend to use health as a narrower concept, referring only to the physical aspects of health and maybe even to total health.
Some other professionals who might want to improve health and its aspect in relation to the broader public might want to include as well education as part of their agenda. Health promotion would require action at both the individual and community levels to promote the general well being of all the citizens of a nation. This could be done by ensuring access to appropriate food, clothing, shelter and education as well as to make provisions for basic health care for old and young, for women and children, the physically disabled and unemployed.
Health is important from the point of view of human health, family health and economic well-being. However, people tend to forget that they have a right to the care of their body and that the society has a responsibility to ensure that everyone is healthy and has physical and mental wellness. There are many diseases that can affect a person and prevent them from living a full and productive life. They include cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, kidney diseases, mentally retarded and physically handicapped; and many others.