Health vs Wellness: Understanding the Difference

Study Notes

Health and wellness are distinct concepts with different end goals.
Health is the state of being in good mental, physical, and social health, while wellness is the active pursuit of optimal health.

Health is defined as a person's overall optimal mental, physical, and social condition.
It includes the absence of disease and/or illness, as well as a holistic and overall optimal well-being.
Health includes mental, physical, and social health.

Wellness is the active pursuit of optimal health and having an optimistic view on living.
It is focused on the behaviors and actions that may prevent or perpetuate the risk of disease.
Wellness includes the pursuit of beneficial activities, such as being active, not smoking or drinking, sleeping well, and having optimal nutrition.

Genetic factors, such as the risk of heart disease, can impact health.
Lifestyle choices, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and unbalanced diet, can also impact health.
Risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex, can perpetuate the spread of diseases.

There are seven major dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, environmental, social, spiritual, intellectual, and occupational.
Physical wellness involves maintaining a healthy physique through regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep.
Emotional wellness involves being aware of one's emotions, feelings, and stress responses.
Environmental wellness involves taking care of the natural environment to contribute to a hazard-free lifestyle.
Social wellness involves maintaining a healthy social lifestyle and surrounding oneself with individuals who promote healthy habits.
Spiritual wellness involves understanding one's purpose and meaning in life and developing feelings of compassion, forgiveness, and patience.
Intellectual wellness involves regularly partaking in mental exercises to strengthen cognitive skills.
Occupational wellness involves having a healthy work-life balance and promoting overall health and well-being.

Health and wellness are closely connected concepts that result in feeling and being healthy.
Focusing on wellness within the six dimensions can contribute to a holistic increase in health.
Proactively pursuing optimal health, even when completely healthy, is important for overall well-being.

Maintaining physical wellness can contribute to optimal physical health and mental health.
Connecting with peers and family is important for social well-being.
Mindfulness is key for promoting physical and mental health.

Health and wellness careers are focused on improving the quality of life for people.
Examples of careers in health and wellness include Health and Life Coaches, Community Health Workers, and Health Educators.
These roles often involve providing resources and education to individuals to achieve their health goals.