What is the full meaning of health?

The full meaning of health includes a holistic state of physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. This broad definition of health was expressed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in its Constitution, which defines health as follows:

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

This definition emphasizes several key aspects of health:

Physical Well-being: Health includes the absence of physical illness or disease as well as physical fitness and vigor. It includes factors like proper nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep and absence of physical ailments.

Mental Well-being: Health extends to mental well-being, which includes emotional stability, cognitive functioning and psychological resilience. It includes the ability to cope with stress, maintain positive relationships, and experience purpose and fulfillment in life.

Social well-being: Health encompasses social well-being, which is related to interpersonal relationships, social support networks, and community connectedness. It includes the ability to form meaningful connections with others, contribute to society, and participate in social activities.

Holistic Perspective: Health is viewed holistically by recognizing the interrelationships of physical, mental and social factors. It emphasizes the importance of addressing all aspects of wellness to achieve optimal health outcomes and overall quality of life.

This comprehensive understanding of health underscores the importance of adopting a holistic approach to health promotion, disease prevention and healthcare delivery. It recognizes that health is influenced by a wide range of factors, including biological, psychological, social, economic, and environmental determinants, and that efforts to improve health must address these multifaceted dimensions.