Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is “an entire state of total physical, mental and emotional well-being and not just the absence of sickness and disease.” A variety of other definitions have also been used over the years for various purposes. A primary focus of health is to promote quality of life, which includes physical, emotional, and social aspects. All aspects of health should be considered when assessing a person’s level of wellness.
Health is a complex system that encompasses a person’s mind, body, and spirit. According to the American College of Nutrition, “the mental and physical processes that support healthy eating are governed by cognitive processes, whereas the physical processes are governed by physiological processes.” Health affects every part of the physical being. When a person is healthy, they will have sufficient energy to perform everyday activities such as driving a car and walking to work. Their immune systems will function properly, and their skin will look normal and clean. Mental health includes an individual’s ability to learn new things, to handle stress, to be creative, to deal with changes, and to maintain well-balanced relationships.
Healthy mentally and physically functioning individuals are less likely to develop illnesses or physical diseases. Conversely, unhealthy persons are more likely to develop diseases and suffer from physical illnesses. People who are mentally stable are less likely to develop depression and anxiety, and they have greater self-esteem. The American College of Nutrition believes that the mental health status of an individual can be improved through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
The causes of mental illnesses and the treatments of mental illnesses are different than those of physical illnesses. People who experience a traumatic event may be susceptible to developing post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Some researchers believe that genetics play a role in the development of PTSD. Stress can cause changes in the body, and there is not a great deal of research investigating the effects of stress on the mental health of an individual. Researchers believe that the effects are subtle and may not necessarily be severe.
An occupational safety program is the main article of clothing for workers who perform dangerous jobs. OSHA regulations outline the types of jobs that present health problems, and employers must make sure their employees wear the proper equipment and take appropriate steps to protect themselves. The main article of clothing is the safety jacket. This jacket is made of a variety of materials and has several functions that protect employees in the event of an accident.
Mental health and physical health status are related, but they are separate issues. Health concerns should always be addressed by a medical professional. Conversely, there are many ways that mental illness can negatively impact a person’s ability to function and enjoy life. An illness can be overcome, however, with the correct resources, including the family, workplace, and friends.