The term “health” can mean different things to different people. It is a general term that is used to describe the quality of life that human beings experience. Some refer to it as physical health, while others emphasize it more than the quality of the mind or emotions. When we speak of health, one generally uses the word in a medical context. Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is a state of full physical, emotional and social well being and not just the absence of sickness and disease. A number of other definitions have also been used over the years for various purposes.
Mental health is becoming an important factor in our everyday lives because people from different backgrounds and walks of life to experience health issues at varying rates. Stress is known to be a contributing factor in poor health outcomes. The good news is that it is possible to bring stress levels under control, as well as improve overall health. Health professionals are aware of the interdependence of physical well-being, mental health and emotional health, and they work together in providing services that address health issues.
Disparities in health care are wider when it comes to health care. Disparities in health can have a negative impact on the psychological well being, as well as the physical and emotional health of people. Women and people of color face greater health disparities than do white people. Health disparities in health care affect people of color and other underserved groups differently, which contributes to the varying needs and treatment options that people of color go through. One example of this is the higher rates of death among black women compared to white women, which has been attributed to high rates of health problems such as AIDS and cancer.
Disparities in health care also occur across the life course. Adolescents experience higher rates of disability, early pregnancy, lower educational attainment and higher health care costs. Life course trends also contribute to differences in health care and disability. For example, Black children experience higher rates of obesity and childhood overweight than do children of white children, which has been attributed to social and cultural factors. Disadvantaged youth are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, including substance abuse and criminal activity, which are associated with increased health risks.
Poor nutrition and unhealthy lifestyle choices such as lack of exercise and too much alcohol consumption exacerbate health issues. Such problems lead to conditions that delay recovery and create greater risk for serious diseases and disability. As a result, premature deaths from heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and some cancers have been reported to have a devastating effect on an individual’s quality of life. Studies have also indicated that people who suffer from chronic diseases have poorer quality of life, which may impair their ability to cope with day-to-day activities and may increase their chances of developing serious health problems.
These life-shortening conditions have resulted in increasing health disparities in health care and disability treatment. Despite advances in preventive and curative health services, there is a general perception that people living in poverty are at greater health risk than those with better lifestyles. The perception that poor health is inevitable is reinforced by research indicating that people with chronic diseases are often labeled as lazy, disinterested or morally defective. In reality, health disparities are not based on attitudes and perceptions. Proper access to proper health services and nutrition along with improved lifestyle choices can reduce health disparities and improve quality of life for all Americans.