The Relationship Between Well-Being and Health

Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is a condition characterized by the absence of serious disease and impairment of the normal functioning of the body. Various definitions have been employed over the years for medical purposes. For some it is a state of mind and awareness that allows the individual to make informed decisions concerning his health and well being. For others, health is primarily a state of the body in relation to its environment, with regard to the nature of work, relationships and other aspects of daily life.

The goal of the general population, together with the medical community, is to promote good health through education and public awareness. Individuals who are healthy and well are more likely to live longer, be less sickly and suffer from fewer health problems or diseases. Studies have shown that those who are healthy and well are at less risk for a wide range of conditions or diseases; these include heart disease, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, stroke, stress related disorders and premature death. In addition, studies have shown that individuals who are engaged in a regular program of exercise and have a good level of personal hygiene are less prone to many common types of infections and diseases.

Mental health, on the other hand, has been recognized as an important component of overall good health and has been shown to support a person’s ability to work effectively and efficiently in a given environment. Mental wellness has been linked, in particular, to increased intellectual function, better memory, improved attention, creativity and interpersonal skills. Mental health has also been shown to improve job performance, reduce absenteeism from work and reduce staff turnover.