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Definition of Health

Dalfine True

University of Phoenix

BSN0659D; NUR 420

Susan DeMeulenaere, MSN

April 9, 2005

Definition of Health

Health holds different definition for different people; the term health can mean wellness or a state of being. Health can be a description of one's physical, mental, emotional and spiritual state. One may possess habits or behaviors that are beneficial or detrimental health behaviors. Orem, a nursing theorist defined health "as a state of being whole and sound (structural and functional integrity). She viewed the physical, psychological, interpersonal and social aspects of health as inseparable within the person. Health and illness are seen as a continuum and self-care is necessary to sustain or regain health" (as cited in Morales-Mann & Jiang, 1993, p. 738).

Having a chronic illness or disorder does not in itself make a person unhealthy. The onset of an acute illness, the common cold, flu, or respiratory infection can make a person unhealthy for a time, but that person can return to a healthy state after the illness. The relationship between physical heath, spiritual health, mental health and emotional health is hand in hand. One can be physical fit, eating a healthy diet, following an exercise plan, but have emotional imbalances, mood swings, and depression, making them unhealthy. All components of the individuals and their lifestyle need to be view when assessing the state of health. Health is not a constant state; health is a changing state that is influenced by personal actions, beliefs, and factors out of one's control.

Health Promoting Behavior

Preventive health maintenance is a health promoting behavior that covers many different actions. Yearly physicals can uncover problems in one's health such as, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and abnormalities related to overall health. Following prescribed medical directions can also affect overall health. Compliance with prescription medication can lead to decreased symptoms and therapeutic management of medical problems. For example, taking Coumadin for an individual with atrial fibrillation can prevent a stroke. Preventive health also includes preventing hazards, such as wearing a safety belt when riding in a car or bike helmet when riding a bike. Failure to do so can result in serious injury or death in the event of an accident. Seeking preventive health care can result in obtaining information related to standards of a healthy lifestyle, updates about immunizations, and new therapies.

Consuming a healthy diet involves getting adequate nutritional intake to sustain function. Proper nutrition involves eating a well balanced diet. A diet containing whole grains, whole wheat bread and pasta high in dietary fiber reduces the risk of heart disease and can have beneficial effects on health (Adams & Standridge, 2006, p 745). Low fat dairy items, lean meats, fresh fruits and vegetable are consider well balanced. Good nutrition is more than just eating nutritious foods; good nutrition is portion control and making good food choices. Eating what is healthy is only half of the nutritional battle, refraining from food high in saturated fats, concentrated sugars, and refined white flour can be the biggest challenge to a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Detrimental Health Behaviors

The bodies' response to stress can be detrimental to health. Stress can bring on many physically measurable symptoms such as high blood pressure, elevated lipid levels, insomnia, and inadequate nutrition. Overeating is a common stress related response as is inactivity. Aside from the physical changes to health, stress can also cause increased emotional turmoil, such as mood swings and depression.

Stress is the "wear and tear" our bodies experience as we adjust to our continually changing environment. It has physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences, and can create positive or negative feelings. As a positive influence, stress can help compel us to action. It can help. As a negative influence, it can result in feelings of distrust, rejection, anger, and depression, which in turn can lead to health problems such as headaches, upset stomach, rashes, eating disorders, and insomnia. We experience stress as we readjust our lives. In so adjusting to different circumstances, stress will help or hinder us depending on how we react to it. (Gannett Health Services, n.d., Ð'¶ 6).

Stress is a continual part of life. With effort, stress may be decreased and stress may be minimized, but stress will always be a part of daily life. In order to deal with stress and continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle improved stress management skills and techniques are a necessity. In order to deal with stress