Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is a condition of “complete physical, mental and emotional well-being” and not just the absence of sickness and infirmity. Various definitions have been utilized over the years for medical purposes. Some refer to it as a state of good health, while others focus on its prevention or maintenance. The best definition, though, is to be considered a state of good health that can promote your overall health and well being.

It is an individual’s ability to live well with his physical and mental health, which in turn, impacts other areas of his or her life. For example, when you lead a healthy lifestyle and eat the proper foods, you can prevent many diseases and illnesses. Good health promotion is achieved when all aspects of lifestyle are taken into consideration. This includes the diet, exercise, stress reduction, alcohol and drug abuse, smoking, social security, and any other relevant issues that affect health.

Prevention is always better than cure, as the former protects you from contracting diseases and prevents them from progressing to worse stages. A complete physical and mental wellness means staying fit and active to fight off diseases and keep you well. Exercise, in particular, is crucial for people with chronic conditions because it helps strengthen your heart and mind to cope with whatever problems you face. Stress management also means being able to manage your body’s natural hormones to keep you healthy and stress free. A combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise and a strong support system, then, is the ultimate foundation for a long, healthy life.

When you live a healthy lifestyle, it makes you more resistant to disease. You are less likely to contract a disease or illness that might be life threatening. Your immune system is stronger, and you can fight off infections and diseases at the onset of trouble. In addition, complete physical and mental wellness boosts your self-esteem, making you more confident in your life and community. A strong sense of self-worth makes you happier and more assertive, and thus more capable of living and coping with whatever obstacles come your way.

Although a healthy lifestyle keeps you away from disease, however, it doesn’t eliminate all possibilities of getting diseases. People who maintain healthy lifestyles may be less likely to become infected with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. However, the absence of disease doesn’t mean you are immune to all health issues. Stress, poor nutrition, and substance abuse can cause a variety of health problems, and these problems may not be curable, but they can be managed.

A balanced life requires good health, but it does not have to mean suffering from every possible disease. Medications and doctors can treat diseases that are already present, but they cannot prevent them. Prevention is always better than cure, as the former will prevent the latter. To keep yourself safe and healthy, practice a healthy lifestyle and try to prevent diseases before they strike. It’s not only good for your health, but also for your well-being as a human being.