Many different definitions exist for the term “health.” Generally, it is defined as the absence of disease or infirmity. Some consider health to be complete well-being. Other definitions use the word “well-being,” implying that health is a positive state of being. For example, the World Health Organization defines health as being free from pain, suffering, or disability. The best definition is one that describes one’s state of mind.
In the United States, health is the ability to live a fulfilling life. This includes physical and mental capacities and the ability to manage stress. However, the third definition of health should also incorporate a person’s ability to develop social and emotional resources. People who define their wellbeing as ‘complete’ will be motivated to seek medical care for a variety of reasons, not least of which is because they value their health. These three definitions are often confused, so it’s important to remember that health doesn’t mean a perfect state of being.
In the United States, the World Health Organization’s constitution, or WHO, focuses on “complete well-being.” As a result, the term “health” can be more ambiguous. In other words, it is not defined as the absence of disease. It refers to “complete well-being” and incorporates the social, psychological, and physical aspects of health. A person can be healthy or unhealthy in a variety of ways.