The World Health Organization has defined health as complete physical, mental, and social well-being. Healthy living can be facilitated by promoting healthy behaviors and reducing unhealthy ones. The definition of good health must accommodate the varying environments that humans live in. However, one must never confuse health with disease, which can be defined in several ways. This article will discuss the differences between the two and how they differ. The definition of good life is defined as follows:
‘Complete health’: this view of health focuses on the absence of disease and the presence of a variety of health conditions. Unfortunately, this is not realistic. Only a few people can enjoy ‘complete health.’ Furthermore, this perspective does not take into account the various facets of human life and the reality of chronic illnesses and disabilities. Likewise, it contributes to over-medicalisation. While this view of good life has some merit, it is also highly flawed and counterproductive.
Health is a resource for everyday living. It includes our social, physical, and emotional capacities. Physical health refers to the capacity of our bodies to maintain homeostasis and recover from adverse events. Mental health, on the other hand, is the capacity to manage stress, acquire skills, and maintain relationships. This is the core of mental and emotional health. If our health is good, we can be confident of our ability to live a long and productive life.
