The
paper extends details about health and its importance in life with emphasis on
the role diet plays in maintaining good health and leading a healthy and stress
free life.
One of the most innovative strategies
undertaken to advocate health issues is the Telehealth Modernization act of 2013
which was introduced by the House Energy and Commerce committee in late December.
It was introduced to address the most glaring problem of reaching and talking
to people in remote areas about their health.
It is sponsored by Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Bill Johnson
(R-OH)
What
Does Health Mean-
The word
health means different things to different people, depending on the situation.
If somebody says "I was worried about my husband's health when he climbed
Mt. Everest", it is clear that the woman is referring to her husband's
physical health, possibly his heart, skin (frostbite) and risk of
developing hypothermia (when the body's temperature
drops too low). On the other hand, there is another aspect of health which is
the mental health, which causes mental strain and disturbs a person mentally. The
two are linked and have to be taken care of to lead a healthy life. The World
Health Organization, during the Ottawa Charter Promotion in 1986 came up with a
very appropriate definition claiming health to be "a resource for everyday life, not the objective of living. Health
is a positive concept emphasizing social and personal resources, as well as
physical capacities." (Charter for Health Promotion 1986, the WHO :)
Types
of Health -
Physical
health
Physical health applies to body health, which is achieved by regular physical activity or exercise, adequate rest and of course diet and nutrition. It has been observed and evidenced that an improved nutrition, health care, standard of living and quality of life enhances height and weight. Physical wellbeing is another important factor related to Physical Health which is defined as something a person can achieve by developing all health-related elements of his/her lifestyle. For example, Fitness reflects a person's cardio respiratory tolerance, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition. However, all this will be incomplete without proper nutrition, bodyweight management, avoiding drugs and alcohol abuse, responsible sexual behavior (sexual health), hygiene, and getting the right amount of sleep.
Physical health applies to body health, which is achieved by regular physical activity or exercise, adequate rest and of course diet and nutrition. It has been observed and evidenced that an improved nutrition, health care, standard of living and quality of life enhances height and weight. Physical wellbeing is another important factor related to Physical Health which is defined as something a person can achieve by developing all health-related elements of his/her lifestyle. For example, Fitness reflects a person's cardio respiratory tolerance, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition. However, all this will be incomplete without proper nutrition, bodyweight management, avoiding drugs and alcohol abuse, responsible sexual behavior (sexual health), hygiene, and getting the right amount of sleep.
Structural Health- comprises of healthy bones, muscles,
organs, the proper functioning of these organs aids the body to function accurately.
It is also associated with a person’s height, weight ratio, their BMI (body mass),
also their resting pulse rate and the recovery rate after exercising.
Chemical Health - Another important type of Health is the
chemical health which means that
the chemicals in the person's body are correct, that tissues contain the right
balance of nutrients, etc., and there are no toxic chemicals. Chemical health
can be maintained and preserved by good diet.
Mental health
A healthy person in the true sense has to be both physically and mentally healthy. Mental health refers to people's cognitive
and emotional well-being. A mentally healthy person is free from any mental disorder.
Mental Health is "a state of
well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope
with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is
able to make a contribution to his or her community". (World Health Organization)
Determinants
of health - People’s health is effected by their
environment and situations, for example what is happening and what has happened
to them
WHO says the main determinants to health are:
- The social and economic
environment
- The physical environment
- The person's individual
characteristics and behaviors
Diet –
The
above details in the paper demonstrate the vital elements of health, the
different types of health and the factors that influence health. Along with numerous determinants of
health one of the fundamental factors responsible for keeping a person healthy
is the diet, the type of food he eats, how he eats and when he eats. This has
been proved to be one of the most essential elements of health. Before
embarking on the details of diet, a clear idea of the definition and meaning of
diet will be helpful.
“Diet is the
sum of the food consumed by an organism or group, the proper selection of food
to control body weight or nutrients and the intake of foods that aid in dieting.”
Food
choices and diet each day affect a
person’s health in a big way , it
determines the way a person feels today, tomorrow, and in the future. A good
nutritional diet is an important part of leading a healthy lifestyle. Physical
activity with a good diet can help people to maintain a healthy weight, reduce
risk of chronic diseases (like heart disease and cancer), and promote your
overall health.
THE IMPACT OF NUTRITION ON YOUR
HEALTH
Healthy
diet and eating habits keep ;obesity at bay research in the United States have shown that the
obesity epidemic in the United States is on the high side and about one-third
of U.S. adults (33.8%) are obese and approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of
children and adolescents aged 2—19 years are obese. However, even for people with normal weight, a poor,
heavy and unbalanced diet is associated with major health risks that can cause
illness and even death. The diseases caused by unhealthy diet are heart
disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and
certain types of cancer. By making wise food choices and following a healthy
and nutritious diet diseases can be prevented. Chronic diseases like
hypertension and type 2 diabetes are the result of unhealthy eating habits and weight
in the younger age. Childhood is the right time to cultivate healthy dietary
habits because they are carried into adulthood. Training children to eat
healthy diet and develop healthy eating habits will help them to remain healthy
through out their lives .The strong link between good and nutritious diet and
healthy weight, reduces the risk of
chronic disease , and enhances overall
health .
Balanced Diet –
A
human body performs numerous functions and it requires various nutrients and
kinds of food to remain healthy. This can be achieved by having a balanced diet
which includes body choosing a wide variety of
foods and drinks from all the food groups. It also means some food stuff containing
saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, refined sugar, salt etc should be
consumed in moderation. The objective to keep in mind is the nutrients a body needs
for being healthy. A balanced diet must be planned depending on the person’s
calorie level. Nutrient rich foods
provide adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals and relatively few calories.
For example, fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meat and
fish, and whole grains and beans. Low-nutrient foods have few vitamins but lots
of calories, such as candy bars, soda, donuts and onion rings, these should be
avoided.
Healthy Eating
Habits Compliment a Healthy Diet –
We all realize that we have to eat to live, but it should be kept in mind that wrong types and unhealthy
eating habits can lead to poor health.
Healthy eating habits should include three balanced meals a day and some
nutritious snacks .The diet should include protein, fruits, vegetables, and
carbohydrates, and less processed and fat-filled food.
Conclusion –
It
is very appropriately said that “Health is Wealth” and to preserve this wealth
a healthy and nutritious diet and well scheduled eating habits is important. A
healthy mind and a healthy body is the key to happiness, Diseases and bad
health leads to depression and anxiety which ruins a person’s peace of mind and
success. Therefore, health and diet are very essential and should be taken care
of appropriately to avoid the serious and dangerous diseases like heart,
paralytic strokes, cancer diabetes etc. “Follow a well planned nutritious diet,
eat healthy and be healthy.” 