The word health refers to a state of complete emotional, mental, and physical well-being. World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948 defined health with a phrase that modern authorities still apply. “Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” In 1986, the WHO made further clarifications: “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.” This means that health is a resource to support an individual’s function in wider society, rather than an end in itself. A healthful lifestyle provides the means to lead a full life with meaning and purpose. It is found that in The Lancet Trusted Source, researchers in 2009, defined health as the ability of a body to adapt to new threats and infirmities. They base this definition on the idea that the past few decades have seen modern science take significant strides in the awareness of diseases by understanding how they work, discovering new ways to slow or stop them, and acknowledging that an absence of pathology may not be possible. The main types of health are given as: (i) Mental and physical health are probably the two most frequently discussed types of health. (ii) Spiritual, emotional, and financial health also contribute to overall health. Scientists have linked these to lower stress levels and improved mental and physical well-being. (iii) Physical health: A person who has good physical health is likely to have bodily functions and processes working at their peak. This is not only due not only to an absence of disease. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate rest all contribute to good health. Physical well-being involves pursuing a healthful lifestyle to decrease the risk of disease. Maintaining physical fitness, for example, can protect and develop the endurance of a person’s breathing and heart function, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition. Good physical health can work in tandem with mental health to improve a person’s overall quality of life. (iv) Mental health: According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services,Trusted Source mental health refers to a person’s emotional, social, and psychological well-being. Mental health is as important as physical health as part of a full, active lifestyle. Good mental health is not only categorized by the absence of depression, anxiety, or another disorder. It also depends on a person’s ability to enjoy life in all situations. All types of health are linked, and people should aim for overall well-being and balance as the keys to good health. Good health depends on a wide range of factors such as Genetic factors and Environmental factors. It is observed that access to healthcare as well as social factors plays a crucial role in health. According to the Seven Countries Study, researchers studied people in select European countries and found that those who ate a healthful diet had a lower 20-year death rate. The best way to maintain health is to preserve it through a healthful lifestyle rather than waiting until sickness or infirmity to address health problems. People use the name wellness to describe this continuous state of enhanced well-being. WHO define wellness as “Wellness is the optimal state of health of individuals and groups. There are two focal concerns: the realization of the fullest potential of an individual physically, psychologically, socially, spiritually, and economically, and the fulfillment of one’s roles and expectations in the family, community, place of worship, and other settings.” Wellness promotes active awareness of and participating in measures that preserve health, both as an individual and in the community. Maintaining wellness and optimal health is a lifelong, daily commitment. To attain wellnes includes eating a balanced, nutritious diet from as many natural sources as possible and engage in physical exercise. It may not be possible to avoid disease altogether. However, a person should do as much as they can to develop resilience and prepare the body and mind to deal with illnesses as they arise. There are many global health issue and the 6 Global health challenges we’ll tackle in 2024 are: Safe drinking water in India, Cervical cancer and HPV, Micronutrient deficiency in pregnant women, Anemia in Malawi, Neglected tropical diseases and Global climate-health agenda. World Health Day, celebrated annually on April 7th, stands as a beacon of awareness regarding global health and its significance. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of health for all individuals and communities worldwide. The inception of World Health Day dates back to 1948, when the World Health Organization (WHO) was established. Since then, it has been observed to commemorate the founding of WHO and to draw attention to pressing health issues affecting humanity. At the global level, this day targets all the issues related to health and for this cause, several programs are organized on a yearly basis by the WHO. It is celebrated worldwide by the government of all participant countries, NGO’s , educational institutions and other organisations.
“By promoting a holistic approach to health that considers the interconnections between humans, animals, and the environment, the One Health concept aims to improve disease prevention, surveillance, and response efforts. It encourages collaboration across sectors and disciplines to address emerging health threats effectively, ultimately contributing to the well-being of both people and the planet. On World Health Day, initiatives and events regarding the One Health concept help raise awareness about the importance of this approach in tackling global health challenges and fostering a healthier and more sustainable future for all.”
The primary objective of celebrating this day is to to spread awareness among masses about major health issues in the world and to encourage prevention. It also acts as a reminder about the establishment of WHO, that has worked on eradicating various serious health issues in developing countries like chickenpox, polio, smallpox, TB, leprosy, etc. Every year, the World Health Day is anchored by a specific theme that reflects contemporary health concerns. Themes range from mental health, maternal and child care, to universal health coverage, highlighting the diverse aspects of health that demand attention. The theme for World Health Day 2024 is “My health, my right! ” The significance of health as a fundamental human right cannot be overstated. Health is not merely the absence of disease but encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being. Recognising health as a right underscores the importance of ensuring access to healthcare, promoting healthy lifestyles, and addressing the physical, mental as well as social determinants of health. The age-old adage “health is wealth” succinctly captures the essence of the profound relationship between health and prosperity. A healthy body is a valuable asset, which serves as a springboard for productivity and success in all spheres of life. Individuals who prioritize their well-being are better equipped to excel in their professional endeavours, unleash their creative potential, and contribute meaningfully to society. By maintaining optimal health habits, such as regular exercise, nutritious eating, and adequate rest, individuals can enhance their productivity levels and achieve their goals more effectively. True wealth transcends material possessions and encompasses the intangible aspects of life, such as joy, fulfilment, and contentment. A healthy lifestyle contributes to a higher quality of life by promoting vitality, energy, and a sense of purpose among individuals. Beyond physical health, mental and emotional well-being are equally essential components of health. One concept that has gained significant attention in recent years, particularly in the context of World Health Day, is the One Health approach. The One Health concept recognizes that the health of humans is interconnected with the health of animals and the environment. It helps to view the world as a vast, intricate ecosystem where the health of each component—humans, animals, and the environment—is not only interconnected but also intertwined in balance and harmony. According to this concept, all elements are akin to threads in the same tapestry of life, and a disturbance in one thread can reverberate across the entire fabric, affecting us all. In essence, One Health is not just a concept but an ethos that calls upon us to embrace our shared destiny and work collaboratively across disciplines and boundaries to safeguard the health of our planet and all its inhabitants. The One Health approach recognizes that many infectious diseases can originate in animals before spilling over to humans, highlighting the critical need for surveillance and collaboration between veterinary and human health systems. Additionally, environmental factors such as climate change, habitat destruction, and pollution can also impact human and animal health, further emphasizing the interconnectedness of these systems. By promoting a holistic approach to health that considers the interconnections between humans, animals, and the environment, the One Health concept aims to improve disease prevention, surveillance, and response efforts. It encourages collaboration across sectors and disciplines to address emerging health threats effectively, ultimately contributing to the well-being of both people and the planet. On World Health Day, initiatives and events regarding the One Health concept help raise awareness about the importance of this approach in tackling global health challenges and fostering a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
( While Fiba Arif is a research scholar at SKUAST-K Srinagar, Dr Bilal A Bhat is Professor Statistics at SKUAST-K Srinagar . The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the authors and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”.)
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