Well In Health

Health is the level of functional and/or metabolic efficiency of an organism at both the
micro(cellular) and macro(social) level. In the medical field, health is commonly defined as an
organism's ability to efficiently respond to challenges (stressors) and effectively restore and
sustain a "state of balance", known as homeostasis.

Another widely accepted definition of health is that of the World Health Organization (WHO),
which states that "health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not
merely the absence of disease or infirmity" [1]. In more recent years, this statement has been
modified to include the ability to lead a "socially and economically productive life." The WHO
definition is not without criticism, as some argue that health cannot bedefined as a state at all,
but must be seen as a process of continuous adjustment to the changing demands of
living and of the changing meanings we give to life. The WHO definition is therefore
considered by many as an idealistic goal rather than a realistic proposition.

Nutrition is a science which studies the relationship between diet and states of
health and disease. Dietitians are Health professionals who are specialized in this area
of expertise. They are also the only highly trained health professionals able to provide safe,
evidence-based and accurate dietary advice and interventions.

Between extremes of optimal health and death from starvation or malnutrition, there is an
array of disease states that can be caused or alleviated by changes in diet. Deficiencies,
excesses and imbalances in diet can produce negative impacts on health, which may lead
to diseases such as scurvy, obesity or osteoporosis, as well as psychological and behavioral
problems. Moreover, excessive ingestion of elements that have no apparent role in health,
(e.g. lead, mercury, PCBs, dioxins), may incur toxic and potentially lethal effects,
depending on the dose. The science of nutrition attempts to understand how and why
specific dietary aspects influence health.

Mental health is a concept that refers to a human individual's emotional and psychological well- being. Merriam-Webster defines mental health as "A state of emotional and psychological well-being in
which an individual is able to use his or her cognitive and emotional capabilities, function in society,
and meet the ordinary demands of everyday life."

According to the World Health Organization, there is no one "official" definition of mental health.
Cultural differences, subjective assessments, and competing professional theories all affect how
"mental health" is defined. In general, most experts agree that "mental health" and "mental illness"
are not opposites. In other words, the absence of a recognized mental disorder is not necessarily
an indicator of mental health.

One way to think about mental health is by looking at how effectively and successfully a person
functions. Feeling capable and competent; being able to handle normal levels of stress, maintain
satisfying relationships, and lead an independent life; and being able to "bounce back," or recover
from difficult situations, are all signs of mental health.

Encompassing your emotional, social, and—most importantly—your mental well-being; All these
aspects—emotional, physical, and social—must function together to achieve overall health.

References:
^ WHO. Constitution of the World Health Organization , Geneva, 1946. Accessed October 30, 2006.
^ Lalonde, Marc. "A New Perspective on the Health of Canadians." Ottawa: Minister of Supply and Services; 1974.
^ Common fitness mistakes people make Stay Fit retrieved on 11-13-2006
WHO (1979) Health for All, Sr. Nos. 1, 2

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