The Relationship between Health, Wellness and Well-Being

By understanding the difference between health and well-being, in short, health is a state of being, while well-being is the state of living a healthy lifestyle. Health refers to physical, mental and social well-being; well-being aims to improve well-being. Health and well-being are often thought of as the same thing, but they have clear differences. Health relates to physical functioning, while well-being focuses on quality of life in all areas of life, not just the body. Understanding the distinction can help you enhance your health and wellbeing.

This statement by the World Health Organization (WHO) about what health is guides this reflection on the meaning and importance of a strong relationship between health and well-being for individuals. In the past, good health was defined as the absence of illness or ailment, although the definition of health has expanded to also include a healthy state of mind. Several dimensions of health could be listed, but there are three main ones that most people refer to when they talk about health. You will start to feel that you have the power to influence your health and your life, and that you can make a difference in your quality of life, even if you have genetic problems, health conditions, or even old thinking patterns that burden you. The World Health Organization defines health as a “state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not simply the absence of disease or ailment.” Examples of health factors include genetics and inherited health disorders, the environment in which you grew up, the local foods available to you, and any acute or chronic illnesses you currently have.

The debate about the key factors that determine health status remains open, as many problems, such as chronic diseases, air pollution, catastrophic events and epidemics, affect the health of many people and the scientific world is looking for the best way to address them.