Health is the state of fullness of life in which infirmity and disease are either absent or treated successfully. The concept of health has many varied definitions, but in general, it is the state of being well balanced with physical, emotional, social, and psychological elements all intact. It also refers to a condition in which the health state’s dimensions are consistently improved over time. Some aspects that define health include a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and making wise choices and prudent purchases. These three concepts, taken together, determine the quality of life.

The factors that affect well-being include heredity, health conditions, vulnerability, environmental factors, lifestyle, communication, and the physical environment. The concepts of heredity and environment are interrelated because a person’s genes contribute to his potential to suffer from a certain illness. Meanwhile, exposure to environmental factors such as pollution, tobacco smoke, ultraviolet light, noise, and chemicals can also affect an individual’s health. On the other hand, poor nutrition, insufficient exercise, and a sedentary lifestyle are known to contribute to ill-health.

The determinants of health status include age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and life quality. To maintain health, steps should be taken to avoid disease, maintain good health, and improve an individual’s lifestyle choices. An individual who feels right about him or herself may be more able to deal with life’s difficulties, thus avoiding disability and illness. Also, people with higher stress levels tend to exhibit low health status, and people with more significant social contacts, education, and personal resources (e.g., good job, good relationships) also experience good health status.

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