What is Mental Health?

We all have mental health. Your mental health affects how you feel, think and act. It refers to your emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. Your mental health can change on a daily basis and over time, and can be affected by a range of factors.

It’s important to look after your mental health, as you would look after your physical health. Your state of wellbeing affects how you cope with stress, relate to others and make choices. It also plays a part in your relationships with your family, community, colleagues and friends.

10 Key Importance of Mental Health:

1. Enhances Quality of Life: Good mental health leads to greater overall happiness, satisfaction, and fulfillment in life.

2. Improves Relationships: It helps build and maintain positive, meaningful connections with others.

3. Boosts Productivity & Performance: Better focus, creativity, and motivation at work, school, and in personal pursuits.

4. Supports Physical Health: Mental and physical health are linked; good mental state encourages healthier behaviors like exercise and better sleep, while reducing risks of chronic diseases.

5. Manages Stress & Adversity: Provides resilience to cope with life's challenges and bounce back from setbacks.

6. Enables Clear Thinking: Improves decision-making, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.

7. Reduces Substance Abuse: Healthy coping mechanisms decrease reliance on drugs or alcohol.

8. Fosters Longevity: People with good mental health tend to live longer, healthier lives. 

9. Promotes Community Contribution: Enables individuals to realize their potential and contribute positively to their communities.

10. Prevents Mental Disorders: Early recognition and intervention can stop mental health issues from developing or worsening.

By prioritizing mental health, individuals can lead more resilient, connected, and productive lives, benefiting themselves and their communities.

The Importance of Mental Health:-

Mental health is a huge issue in the United States and there are shocking statistics to prove it. When we consider the fact that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 5 adults experience at least one mental health condition every year, it’s hard to deny that we need to make mental health awareness and mental health care more of a priority.

Unfortunately, there also tends to be a significant stigma attached to anything related to mental health or a person’s mental well being, which is why it’s so essential that we acknowledge mental health efforts and work to overcome the barriers that have been put up that keep us from addressing mental health in a positive, productive way.

Mental health awareness might be one of the most pressing issues we’re currently facing in the healthcare industry as a whole, which is why there’s a national movement to celebrate the importance of mental health every May: Mental Health Awareness Month. Fighting the mental health stigma, providing support and resources to struggling individuals and their loved ones, and advocating for policy changes are all integral parts of mental health awareness month.

Why is Mental Health Important?

Mental health is fundamental to our overall well-being, profoundly influencing how we think, act, and interact in our daily lives. Good mental health enables us to face life’s challenges with resilience, forge strong and meaningful relationships, and make decisions that shape a positive future for ourselves and our communities. Recognizing the importance of mental health is key to fostering a healthier society, as it lays the foundation for individual resilience, effective communication, and collective well-being.

Reasons to care for mental health

Maintaining a positive mental health and treating any poor mental health conditions is crucial to stabilizing constructive behaviors, emotions, and thoughts. Focusing on mental health care can increase productivity, enhance our self-image, and improve relationships.

Nurturing mental health doesn’t just improve our daily functioning, but it can also help us control — or at least combat — some of the physical health problems directly linked to mental health conditions. For example, heart disease and stress are related, so managing stress might have a positive outcome on heart disease and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Other benefits of taking care of our mental health can include:

• Improving our mood
• Reducing our anxiety
• Creating an enhanced sense of inner peace
• Thinking more clearly
• Improving our relationships
• Increasing our self-esteem

 We should practice below 12 healthy habits on daily basis:

1. Have Breakfast:-

It's important for a bunch of reasons. It jump-starts your metabolism and stops you from overeating later. Plus, studies show that adults who have a healthy breakfast do better at work, and kids who eat a morning meal score higher on tests. If a big plateful first thing isn't for you, keep it light with a granola bar or a piece of fruit. Just don't skip it.

2. Plan Your Meals:-

It'll help you save time and money in the long run. Block out some time, then sit down and consider your goals and needs. Do you want to lose weight? Cut back on sugar, fat, or carbs? Add protein or vitamins? Meal prep keeps you in control. You know what you're eating and when. A bonus: It'll be that much easier to skip those doughnuts in the breakroom at work.

3. Drink Plenty of Water:-

It can do so many good things for you. Staying hydrated is at the top of the list, but it may also help you lose weight. Another reason to go for H2O? Sugary drinks are linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes. If you aren't a fan of plain water, add flavor with slices of orange, lemon, lime, watermelon, or cucumber.

4. Take an Exercise Break:-

Don't just grab another cup of coffee -- get up and move. Do some deep lunges or stretches. It's great for your body and mind. Just 30 minutes of walking five times a week may help keep the blues at bay. And if you can't do those minutes all at once, short bursts help, too.

5. Go Offline:-

Checking your email and social media a lot? Sure, your friends' and family's latest updates are just a click away, but do you really need to see pictures of your cousin's latest meal? Let it wait until morning. Set a time to log off and put the phone down. When you cut back on screen time, it frees you to do other things. Take a walk, read a book, or help your cousin chop veggies for their next great dinner.

6. Learn Something New:-

New skills help keep your brain healthy. Sign up for a dance class or a creative writing workshop. Better yet, master a new language. The mental work it takes can slow the signs of aging and may even delay the effects of Alzheimer's disease.

7. Don't Smoke:-

If you light up, quit. It's a big move toward better health. Your body repairs itself quickly. As soon as 20 minutes after your last cigarette, your heart rate and blood pressure drop. Why wait? Kick the habit, today. Your doctor will be happy to help you get started.

8. Sleep Well:-

There are almost too many benefits to list. A good night's sleep keeps you in a better mood, sharpens memory and focus, and helps you learn new things. In the long term, it lowers your risk of heart disease and helps you keep trim. Aim to get 7 to 9 hours a night. For the best rest, do it on schedule -- turning in and waking up at about the same times every day.

9. Train Your Muscles:-

Strength training helps your body trade fat for muscle mass. That means you'll burn more calories even when you're being a couch potato. But these workouts can also help you slim down, strengthen your heart, and build up your bones. Do strength-training exercises -- like push-ups, lunges, and weight lifting -- at least twice a week.

10. Head Outdoors:-

A few minutes in the sunshine raises vitamin D levels, and that's good for your bones, your heart, and your mood. Plus, being outside means you're more likely to move your body instead of parking it in front of the TV or computer. Choose nature over city streets, if you can. One study found that people who strolled in urban green spaces were calmer than people who walked in built-up areas.

11. Keep Your Balance:-

If you're young and active, good balance will help you avoid injuries. If you're older, it will keep you active longer and lower the chances you'll fall and break a bone. No matter your age, good balance means better muscle tone, a healthier heart, and greater confidence. Yoga and tai chi are great ways to work on it, but just about anything that keeps you moving, even walking, can help.

12. Be Mindful:-

It can mean meditating or simply stopping to smell the roses. However you do it, studies show mindfulness slashes stress, relieves pain, and improves your mood. And scientists are beginning to understand how. One study found that 8 weeks of regular meditation can change parts of your brain related to emotions, learning, and memory. Even washing dishes can be good for your brain, as long as you do it mindfully.

STAY POSITIVE. STAY HEALTHY.

 Balanced Diet: What it Means, Benefits:

A balanced diet is essential for a healthy body, but given all the different opinions and trends around food, figuring out what constitutes a healthy diet can be confusing. One source says to cut carbs, another says to eat more fat, but a balanced diet isn't just about following strict rules or cutting out foods you enjoy; it's about including a variety of foods in the right amounts to give your body the nutrients it needs to function well. It supports everything from your energy levels and digestion to immunity and overall health. This blog will demystify what constitutes a balanced diet, explore its numerous benefits beyond just physical health, and provide practical sample meal plans that you can easily adapt to your personal preferences and lifestyle.

What is a Balanced Diet?

A balanced diet isn’t defined by one specific food or meal — it’s about the overall pattern of your eating habits over time. It means getting the right proportion of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) along with essential micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) through a varied and consistent diet.

To put it into perspective:

Around 50–60% of your daily energy should ideally come from carbohydrates (preferably whole grains and fibre-rich sources).

10–15% should come from protein (from both animal and plant sources).

20–30% from fats (focusing on unsaturated fats and limiting trans fats and excess saturated fats).

But numbers aside, a practical way to visualise a balanced meal is the “plate method”: half your plate should contain vegetables and fruits, one-quarter should have whole grains, and the remaining quarter should include a protein source. Adding a small serving of healthy fat — such as nuts, seeds, or a dash of oil — rounds it out.

Water, too, is an often-overlooked part of a balanced diet. Staying hydrated supports digestion, metabolism, and even appetite regulation.

A balanced diet isn’t about rigid rules — it’s flexible, adaptable, and can look different for each person depending on their age, activity level, health status, and cultural food preferences.

What are the Components of a Balanced Diet?

A balanced diet is made up of several key components, each serving a vital function to keep your body healthy and operating at its best. Here's a more detailed look at the main nutrients and their roles:

1. Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the body's primary source of energy. They fuel your muscles, brain, and organs, and are particularly important during physical activity. Carbohydrates are found in both simple and complex forms:

Simple carbohydrates: These are sugars found in fruits, dairy, and processed foods (like sweets and sugary drinks). While they provide quick energy, it’s best to limit refined sugars.

Complex carbohydrates: These come from whole grains, legumes, and starchy vegetables (like sweet potatoes). They are broken down more slowly, providing sustained energy and supporting digestive health due to their fibre content.

2. Proteins

Proteins are essential for growth, muscle repair, and immune function. They help in the production of enzymes, hormones, and other vital body chemicals. Proteins are made up of amino acids, some of which must be obtained from food. High-quality protein sources include:

Animal-based: Chicken, fish, eggs, and dairy.

Plant-based: Lentils, beans, chickpeas, tofu, quinoa, and seeds. Proteins also help keep you full longer, making them a great part of weight management.

3. Fats

Fats are crucial for maintaining healthy cell membranes, producing hormones, and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). While fats are often viewed negatively, healthy fats are essential for overall health:

Unsaturated fats: Found in avocados, olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish (such as salmon and mackerel), these fats support heart health and help reduce inflammation.

Saturated fats: Present in animal products (like butter and cheese) and some plant oils (like coconut oil), these should be consumed in moderation.

Trans fats: These artificial fats are found in processed and fried foods and should be avoided as they contribute to poor heart health.

4. Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients that regulate processes in the body, from immunity and energy production to bone health and wound healing. They don't provide energy but are essential for a variety of functions:

Vitamins: Different vitamins play various roles in maintaining health. For example, Vitamin C (found in citrus fruits) helps boost immunity, while Vitamin A (found in carrots and leafy greens) supports vision and skin health.

Minerals: Key minerals like calcium (for bones and teeth), iron (for oxygen transport in blood), and magnesium (for muscle function) are found in foods such as dairy, leafy greens, meats, and legumes.

5. Fibre

Fibre is an essential part of a healthy diet, particularly for digestive health. It helps regulate bowel movements, prevents constipation, and can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Fibre is found in:

Soluble fibre: Found in oats, apples, beans, and peas, this type helps lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels.

Insoluble fibre: Found in whole grains, vegetables, and nuts, this type helps with bowel regularity and digestive health

6. Water

Water is often overlooked but is a critical component of a balanced diet. It makes up about 60% of your body and is involved in nearly every bodily function, including temperature regulation, digestion, and nutrient transport. Staying well-hydrated is essential for maintaining energy, supporting brain function, and keeping your skin healthy. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, or more if you're physically active.

Why Is a Balanced Diet Important?

A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining optimal health and supporting the body’s daily functions. It provides essential nutrients that help the body perform key tasks, from boosting energy levels to supporting immune function. Without the proper mix of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, the body cannot function efficiently, leading to fatigue, illness, and long-term health issues. By prioritising a balanced diet, you can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve mental and physical well-being, and ensure the body has everything it needs to thrive.

Benefits of a Balanced Diet

A balanced diet has far-reaching benefits that extend beyond physical health, influencing various aspects of your life. Here are some of the key advantages:

Enhanced Mood and Emotional Well-being

Nutrients from a balanced diet can positively affect brain chemistry. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, and those high in vitamins and minerals help regulate mood and can alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety. Eating well also promotes a more stable emotional state, contributing to overall mental well-being.

Improved Sleep Quality

Certain foods can help improve the quality of your sleep. A balanced diet that includes magnesium-rich foods, such as leafy greens and nuts, can promote relaxation and help you sleep more soundly. Additionally, meals that balance protein and carbohydrates can regulate blood sugar, preventing mid-night awakenings due to hunger or blood sugar spikes.

Better Skin Health

A nutrient-dense diet supports skin regeneration and hydration. Vitamins like vitamin C and E, along with antioxidants, protect the skin from environmental damage, help combat signs of aging, and promote a healthy, glowing complexion. Proper hydration, often overlooked in skin care, is also supported through a balanced intake of water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables.

Boosted Cognitive Function

A balanced diet fuels the brain and supports cognitive health. Nutrients like B vitamins, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids are vital for brain function, enhancing memory, focus, and clarity. A diet rich in these nutrients may also reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.

Stronger Immune System

A balanced diet helps regulate inflammation in the body, supporting immune function over time. Proper nutrition keeps the immune system strong and responsive, aiding in faster recovery from illnesses and reducing susceptibility to infections.

Improved Gut Health

A balanced diet rich in fibre promotes healthy gut flora, which is essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gut health. A healthy gut microbiome is linked to better immune function, mood regulation, and even reduced risk of chronic diseases like diabetes.

Lowered Risk of Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is linked to many health problems, including heart disease and arthritis. A balanced diet helps to keep inflammation in check by including anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens. This can reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases and improve overall comfort in daily activities.

 The 6 Primary Types of Health:

There are mainly six different types of Health includes Physical health, Mental health, Emotional health, Social health, Environmental health, and Spiritual health.

The detailed explanation of these six different types of health is given below.

1. Physical Health

Physical health refers to the state of your physical body and how well it is operating. It is influenced by levels of physical activity, adequate nutrition, rest, environments, etc.

Physical health promotes proper care of our bodies for optimal health and functioning. Obtaining an optimal level of physical wellness allows you to nurture personal responsibility for your own health. As you become conscious of your physical health, you are able to identify elements you are successful in as well as elements you would like to improve.

Physical health consists of many components, but a brief list of the key areas are given below:

Physical activity – includes strength, flexibility, and endurance.

Nutrition and diet – includes nutrient intake, fluid intake, and healthy digestion.

Alcohol and drugs – includes the abstinence from or reduced consumption of these substances.

Medical self-care – includes addressing minor ailments or injuries and seeking emergency care as necessary.

Rest and sleep – includes periodic rest and relaxation, along with high-quality sleep.

2. Mental Health

Mental health is a level of psychological well-being or an absence of mental illness. It is the “psychological state of someone who is functioning at a satisfactory level of emotional and behavioral adjustment”.

Good mental health doesn’t just mean if you don’t have a mental illness. It’s about having a sense of purpose, getting involved with things, coping with stress and setbacks, forming close relationships, and being in touch with your own thoughts and emotions. To maintain mental health we have to be confident and accept ourselves. In this case, yoga and breathing exercises help us to focus and keep negative thoughts out of our minds.

3. Emotional Health

Emotional health refers to a person’s feelings which encompasses everything about you. It actually governs all of your decisions, your mood, and who you are. Every single aspect of you is determinant of how you feel about something, what is actually going on in your heart, not in your head.

Basically, from your relationships to your mindset to your personality, to how you want to show up in the world; all of these are run by your emotional health. And if you’re feeling thoughts of overwhelm, anxiety, stress, worthlessness, these are all common negative emotions that can have a hugely detrimental effect on your emotional health. But if you can rightly understand yourself, and find out from where these negative emotions are coming, then you actually be setting yourself up for a lifetime of consistent success.

4. Social Health

Social health is how you get along with other people, which involves your ability to form satisfying interpersonal relationships with others. It also relates to your ability to adapt comfortably to different social situations and act appropriately in a variety of settings.

If you want to really optimize your health, you need to go beyond physical and mental strength and actually look at the strength of your close social relationships. Research now shows that a lack of strong social ties puts you at a greater health risk than obesity.

If we really want to understand human thriving, the social component is essential. There is 80 years long Harvard study done on individuals that showed the quality of close social relationships was actually the best victor of health and happiness. So not only it’s important to consider the health of our bodies but we need to consider the health of our communities.

5. Environmental Health

Environmental Health is the field of science that studies how the environment influences human health and disease. “Environment,” in this context, means things in the natural environment like air, water, and soil, and also all the physical, chemical, biological, and social features of our surroundings.

According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Science, The social environment encompasses lifestyle factors like diet and exercise, socioeconomic status, and other societal influences that may affect health.

We need to be aware of the impact of changing the environment of our health, how it can be influenced, and what can cause the complex diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome within malaria, TV, AIDS, etc. and how our environment influenced to contract these diseases.

6. Spiritual Health

Spiritual health refers to possessing, meaning, and purpose in life; having a clear set of beliefs and living in accordance with your morals, values, and ethics. Essentially it means understanding and having a clear definition of what is right and wrong and living according to this understanding.

The National Wellness Institute says spiritual wellness follows the following tenets:

It is better to ponder the meaning of life for ourselves and to be tolerant of the beliefs of others than to close our minds and become intolerant.

It is better to live each day in a way that is consistent with our values and beliefs than to do otherwise and feel untrue to ourselves.

Many factors play a part in defining spirituality – religious faith, beliefs, values, ethics, principles, and morals. Some gain spirituality by growing in their personal relationships with others, or through being at peace with nature. Spirituality allows us to find the inner calm and peace needed to get through whatever life brings, no matter what one’s beliefs are or where they may be on your spiritual journey.

The human spirit is the most neglected aspect of our selves. Just as we exercise to condition our bodies, a healthy spirit is nurtured by purposeful practice. The spirit is the aspect of ourselves that can carry us through anything. If we take care of our spirit, we will be able to experience a sense of peace and purpose even when life deals us a severe blow. A strong spirit helps us to survive and thrive with grace, even in the face of difficulty.[6]

We should take care of our spirit to experience a sense of peace and purpose even when life deals with some difficulty. A strong spirit only helps us to survive and thrive with grace.

Additional 4 Types of Health:--

In addition to the types of health mentioned in the previous lines, and which are part of the WHO definition, there are also 4 different types of Health, such as Family Health, Sexual Health and Reproductive Health, Occupational Health, and Public Health.

Let’s see the details below.

1. Family Health

Family health is a working instrument, with a comprehensive approach, on promotion and prevention, to train the entire health team that intervenes in families with difficulties of various kinds: risk factors, crises, and conflicts.

Human beings acquire many habits in the family that largely determine our health, and therefore our well-being. Therefore, it is very important that, in addition to taking care of yourself by applying all the measures that, you also take care of the little ones, instilling healthy habits in them that will help them have a better quality of life.

Besides, you must know the specific indications, as well as the medical check-ups that should be carried out based on age, sex, or in specific periods such as pregnancy.

Please remember, good family health positively affects its members.

2. Sexual Health and Reproductive Health

Sexual health is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being related to sexuality; it is not just the absence of disease, dysfunction or disability. For sexual health to be achieved and maintained, the sexual rights of all people must be respected, protected, and fully exercised”.

Sexual Health and Reproductive Health

For its part, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has defined sexual health as “the experience of the permanent process of achieving physical, psychological, and sociocultural well-being related to sexuality.”

Sexuality is a central aspect of the human being throughout his life and includes sex, gender identities, and roles, sexual orientation or preference, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy, and reproduction.

Sexual and reproductive health is the ability to enjoy a satisfying sex life without the risk of childbearing, and the freedom to decide to do so or not to do so. Reproductive rights are based on the recognition of the basic right of all couples and individuals to freely and responsibly decide the number of children, the spacing of births and the interval between them, to have the information and the means to do so; and the right to achieve the highest level of sexual and reproductive health.

For this, 2 communication strategies and materials have been developed that will allow positioning the importance of sexual and reproductive health.

(I) Double Protection

It provides information on ways to protect yourself from a sexually transmitted disease including HIV / AIDS and at the same time avoid an unplanned pregnancy, without preventing full sexuality.

(II) Family Planning

It informs about methods and tools that allow planning the family and living an adequate sexual and reproductive health. Sexuality is a central aspect of the human being throughout his life. For sexual health to be achieved and maintained, the sexual rights of all people must be respected. Indeed, to achieve this, the WHO assures that a “positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relations is required, as well as the possibility of having pleasant and safe sexual relations, free from coercion, discrimination, and violence.”[7]

3. Occupational Health

The occupational health is a multidisciplinary entity that is focused on achieving the most complete state of physical, mental, and social workers in performing work.

Occupational Health

The occupational health encompasses various areas, focusing mainly on prevention and control of occupational hazards, reduce diseases and accidents associated with any job, aspects that more and more people are aware of its importance.

An example is the growing interest of company leaders in strengthening a corporate culture focused on improving occupational health through the creation of healthy workspaces.

According to figures from the International Labor Organization (ILO), approximately more than 2 million people die each year from diseases and accidents at work.

In addition, more than 200 million cases of professional ailments are registered per year. Likewise, non-communicable diseases in the office also directly or indirectly cause each country to lose up to 6% of its GDP. That is why occupational health should be a priority and an aspect that all companies and the State must guarantee.

Therefore, we could say that occupational health is the “set of activities whose objective is the promotion and maintenance of the highest possible degree of physical, mental and social well-being of workers, promoting the adaptation of work to the person and the person at your work”.

4. Public Health

The public health is a non – clinical specialty-focused medicine in the promotion, prevention, and intervention of health from a multidisciplinary and collective perspective, whether at the community, regional, national or international level, i.e., not centered on the individual, but in the collective.

 A healthy life:

involves a holistic approach, focusing on good nutrition (fruits, veggies, whole grains), regular physical activity (walking, sports, yoga), sufficient sleep, stress management (mindfulness, social connection), avoiding harmful substances like tobacco, and regular health checkups, all aimed at feeling good physically and mentally and reducing disease risk. It's about making sustainable small changes, not drastic overhauls, for long-term well-being.

Key Pillars of a Healthy Life

Nutrition:

Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Limit processed foods, sugary snacks, unhealthy fats, and salt.

Stay hydrated.

Physical Activity:

Aim for at least 30 minutes most days.

Activities like walking, dancing, swimming, cycling, or sports are great.

Mental Well-being:

Manage stress through mindfulness, nature, hobbies, or social connections.

Prioritize mental health and seek support when needed.

Sleep:

Get adequate, quality sleep to support physical and mental restoration.

Avoid Harmful Habits:

Quit smoking, as it significantly improves life expectancy.

Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.

Preventive Care:

Get recommended health screenings and vaccinations.

Visit your doctor regularly for checkups.

How to Start

Start Small: Implement one or two new habits at a time, like taking the stairs or adding a fruit to your breakfast.

Set Realistic Goals: Make achievable changes you can maintain.

Track Progress: Notice how small changes build up to big improvements in how you feel.

            The meaning of health has evolved over time. In keeping with the biomedical perspective, early definitions of health focused on the theme of the body's ability to function; health was seen as a state of normal function that could be disrupted from time to time by disease. An example of such a definition of health is: "a state characterized by anatomic, physiologic, and psychological integrity; ability to perform personally valued family, work, and community roles; ability to deal with physical, biological, psychological, and social stress". Then, in 1948, in a radical departure from previous definitions, linking health to well-being, in terms of "physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity".[3] Although this definition was welcomed by some as being innovative, it was also criticized for being vague and excessively broad and was not construed as measurable. For a long time, it was set aside as an impractical ideal, with most discussions of health returning to the practicality of the biomedical model.

Just as there was a shift from viewing disease as a state to thinking of it as a process, the same shift happened in definitions of health. Again, the WHO played a leading role when it fostered the development of the health promotion movement in the 1980s. This brought in a new conception of health, not as a state, but in dynamic terms of resiliency, in other words, as "a resource for living". In 1984, WHO revised the definition of health defined it as "the extent to which an individual or group is able to realize aspirations and satisfy needs and to change or cope with the environment. Health is a resource for everyday life, not the objective of living; it is a positive concept, emphasizing social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities." Thus, health referred to the ability to maintain homeostasis and recover from adverse events. Mental, intellectual, emotional and social health referred to a person's ability to handle stress, to acquire skills, to maintain relationships, all of which form r

Since the late 1970s, the federal Healthy People Program has been a visible component of the United States' approach to improving population health. In each decade, a new version of Healthy People is issued, featuring updated goals and identifying topic areas and quantifiable objectives for health improvement during the succeeding ten years, with assessment at that point of progress or lack thereof. Progress has been limited to many objectives, leading to concerns about the effectiveness of Healthy People in shaping outcomes in the context of a decentralized and uncoordinated US health system. Healthy People 2020 gives more prominence to health promotion and preventive approaches and adds a substantive focus on the importance of addressing social determinants of health. A new expanded digital interface facilitates use and dissemination rather than bulky printed books as produced in the past. The impact of these changes to Healthy People will be determined in the coming years.

Systematic activities to prevent or cure health problems and promote good health in humans are undertaken by health care providers. Applications with regard to animal health are covered by the veterinary sciences. The term "healthy" is also widely used in the context of many types of non-living organizations and their impacts for the benefit of humans, such as in the sense of healthy communities, healthy cities or healthy environments. In addition to health care interventions and a person's surroundings, a number of other factors are known to influence the health status of individuals. These are referred to as the "determinants of health", which include the individual's background, lifestyle, economic status, social conditions and spirituality; Studies have shown that high levels of stress can affect human health.

In the first decade of the 21st century, the conceptualization of health as an ability opened the door for self-assessments to become the main indicators to judge the performance of efforts aimed at improving human health. It also created the opportunity for every person to feel healthy, even in the presence of multiple chronic diseases or a terminal condition, and for the re-examination of determinants of health (away from the traditional approach that focuses on the reduction of the prevalence of diseases).