HEALTH

 

 

Definition of Health

WHO (World Health Organisation) defines Health as, “A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

Another important definition to note is the definition of mental health; which is more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities. Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.

 

Factors that Determine Good Health

Broadly speaking, various factors like genetics, environment, nutrition, exposure to hazards, accidents or pollution, etc promote good health.

 

  1. Genetic factors: Genetics is the study of genes and what we inherit biologically from our parents. Genetics can help us understand how inherited conditions affect our health.

It strongly influences many aspects of the physical appearances of children such as their height, weight, body structure, the color of the eye, the texture of the hair, and even the intelligence.

Application of Genetics

  1. To determine the risk of passing certain diseases to one’s children.
  2. Diagnosing genetic diseases in fetuses, newborns, children, and adults.
  • Diagnostic testing to guide the administration of drugs.
  1. Assessing individual’s risk of certain diseases.
  2. Testing to determine susceptibility to certain diseases, including some cancers.

 

 

 

  1. Environment

A bad, polluted or unhygienic environment is a huge contributor to poor health through increasing stress levels or increased exposure to causes of illnesses. Examples are noise pollution, hazardous chemicals pollution, exposure to hazardous insects and reptiles, poor access to good freshwater, etc… Physical well-being is intimately linked to the state of the environment. Good quality natural environment provides basic needs, in terms of clean air and water, fertile land for food production, and energy and material inputs for production. A balanced environment helps to regulate climate and prevent flooding. Access to green and blue spaces also provides important opportunities for recreation and supports well-being.

 

  1. Nutrition

Nutrition is a critical part of health and development. Better nutrition is related to improved infant, child and maternal health, stronger immune systems, safer pregnancy and childbirth, lower risk of non-communicable diseases (such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease), and longevity.

Good nutrition includes

  • a range of vegetables, including dark green, orange and red vegetables, legumes, and starchy vegetables
  • Fruits, particularly whole fruits
  • Grains, particularly whole grains
  • Fat-free or low-fat dairy products, such as yogurt, milk, cheeses and/or fortified soy products
  • Protein foods, including lean meats and poultry, seafood, legumes, seeds, nuts, and soy products

 

 

Causes of ill health

Ill health can result from a number of factors. Issues like a person’s genetic make-up, unhealthy lifestyle behaviour (e.g. smoking), bad nutrition e.g. eating too much unhealthy fats and oils, exposure to toxic substances (e.g. asbestos) or other reasons can lead to a person falling ill.

For countries like Nigeria, health sector research/reviews pointed out that health problems come from issues like;

  • Infectious diseases,
  • Poor nutrition
  • Poor control of some vector diseases,
  • Maternal mortality/infant mortality,
  • Poor sanitation and hygiene,
  • Inadequate disease surveillance,
  • Non-communicable diseases,
  • Complications from road traffic injuries.
  • Toxins

 

 

Prevention of Ill Health.

As much as it is possible, we can take proper measures to prevent ill health. We can take the following actions/measures:

  1. We need to practice healthy habits. Example of healthy habits are:
  • Handle & prepare food safely.
  • Wash hands often.
  • Clean & disinfect commonly used surfaces, e.g., phone screens and items like utensils.
  • Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow
  • Don’t share personal items like toothbrushes or underwear.
  • Get vaccinated.
  1. Get restful sleep
  2. Don’t miss health screenings and vaccinations where necessary
  3. Manage blood sugar levels. Aside from staying away from what makes your blood sugar levels hike up (e.g. coke, sugary snacks), the American Heart Association recommends quitting smoking and moving more as measures to manage your blood sugar.
  4. Manage your weight.
  5. Get up and get moving.
  6. Watch your blood pressure.
  7. Watch your cholesterol level
  8. Make healthy food choices/Eat smart.

 

 

 

 

References

 

https://www.who.int/health-topics/nutrition#tab=tab_1

https://www.walnutmontessori-preschool.com/

https://mahb.stanford.edu/topic/healthy-environment-benefits/

https://www.who.int

https://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/human/

https://www.news-medical.net/health/The-Role-of-Nutrition-in-Health.aspx

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322158989_Major_Public_Health_Problems_in_Nigeria_A_review

https://socialprotection.org/discover/blog/health-care-nigeria-challenges-and-recommendations#:~:text=Political%20instability%2C%20corruption%2C%20limited%20institutional,of%20health%20services%20in%20Nigeria.

https://healthtalk.org/multimorbidities/causes-of-health-problems-certain-and-uncertain#:~:text=Health%20problems%20can%20be%20caused,treatment%20might%20lead%20to%20another.

https://www.sfcdcp.org/communicable-disease/healthy-habits/

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