What is Health?

Definition of Health

• Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, extending beyond just the absence of disease or physical fitness.

Importance of Health

• Good health increases efficiency at work, leading to higher productivity and economic prosperity.
• It also increases longevity, reducing infant and maternal mortality rates.

Maintaining Good Health

• A balanced diet, personal hygiene, and regular exercise are essential for maintaining good health.
• Yoga has been practiced for centuries to achieve physical and mental well-being.

Preventive Measures

• Awareness about diseases and their effects on bodily functions is crucial for good health.
• Vaccination (immunisation) against infectious diseases is necessary.
• Proper disposal of wastes, control of vectors, and maintenance of hygienic food and water resources are important.

Concept of Disease

• A disease occurs when one or more organs or systems of the body are adversely affected, resulting in various signs and symptoms.

Types of Diseases

• Diseases can be broadly classified into infectious and non-infectious diseases.
• Infectious diseases are easily transmitted from person to person and are common, with some being fatal (e.g., AIDS).
• Non-infectious diseases, such as cancer, are also a major cause of death.
• Drug and alcohol abuse have adverse effects on health.