Hello. I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Joanna. I’m a registered nurse relocating to Rwanda because I have a passion for the people and the country.
I have a strong background in natural and integrative approaches to establishing and maintaining good health through nutrition and lifestyle changes. With that said, I think it’s appropriate to begin a series of health articles with the question: “What is health?”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is a “State of complete physical, mental, and social well being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
This definition has been around for many decades and continues to be the standard. However, there are those who disagree (and I’m one of them) because of the use of the word ‘complete’. I believe it is possible to have an ‘infirmity’ or physical disability and still experience a state of health and well being.
Another definition taken from Wikipedia is: Health is the level of functional or metabolic efficiency of a living being. In humans, it is the general condition of a person’s mind and body, usually meaning to be free from illness, injury or pain (as in “good health” or “healthy“). In my opinion, this is closer to that which is attainable and keeps an openness to diversion by using the word ‘usually’.
The following taken from Business Dictionary is also a good description of health as a dynamic condition resulting from a body’s constant adjustment and adaptation in response to stresses and changes in the environment for maintaining an inner equilibrium called homeostasis.
I like this definition because it touches on the process of health in terms of function.
The bottom line is you are the determiner of your health; what you accept about how your body, mind and spirit function to support the quality of life that you want to experience.
In the next article we will take a look at how to know if you are healthy and introduce the four components necessary for optimum health.
You are welcome to email me your questions and comments at [email protected]
Until next time, here’s to a healthy you and a healthy life.
Joanna
Umuseke.rw Volunteer
