Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is “an optimal state of total physical, mental and emotional well-being and not just the absence of illness and infirmity.” A wide variety of definitions have also been used over the years. But what it really means to a person is a state that eliminates or prevents pain, sickness, and other negative outcomes. To attain the best health possible, it is important to work towards this goal in an ongoing way. Here are some simple but effective steps that you can take today to improve your health and well being.

The most important element of this definition is what is known as the definition of health. The WHO developed this definition in 1948. It includes six elements: Physical education, adequate health services, active participation and maintenance of a healthy social environment, opportunities for self-referral and information about diseases and health, and last but not least a least one group that are designated for the coordination, management and evaluation of health systems. This is the simplest definition, but it has many elements that make up a strong health system.

The WHO developed this definition based on the experiences of people from various parts of the globe who were participating in a long-term study of health. They had been exposed to a variety of chronic diseases and illnesses, and they had been interviewed over a period of 20 years to determine what aspects of their health affected their ability to lead a normal life. This framework of finding the root cause of illness led to the development of the current concept of illness and disability.

The second definition is the control or prevention of death and illness. This is related to the first element of the life course. It focuses on preventing sickness before it starts. This is done through prevention and early detection, through interventions and treatment, and through public health strategies. Diseases that are well known can be easily curtailed, while unknown diseases are expected to be managed with a mixture of interventions.

The third definition is the control or treatment of a disease or condition following an unsuccessful attempt to cure it. People who suffer from a serious illness or disability can benefit from this element of the definition, but if healthy individuals attempt to treat a condition they will likely fail. The goal is to manage symptoms and prevent the progression of the illness. Treatment can include a combination of medication and therapies, as well as psychological or medical intervention.

The fourth element is critical to maintaining good health: nutrition and hygiene. These two components have an impact on the entire body and cannot be ignored. Healthy nutrition and cleanliness are necessary to maintain good health and fend off disease. An absence of both can result in serious consequences, and even the smallest amounts of illness can lead to death.