According to an English term, health is a condition of being ‘safe’ and ‘sound’. The dictionary meaning of health is ‘the stare of being hale and sound in body, mind or soul, especially from physical disease or pain’.It is also defined as the state in which the mental and physical activities of the body are adjusted satisfactorily to the environment. To be in health means much more than freedom from disease and discomfort. It includes normal functioning of all parts of human organism, resulting in physical strength and vigour mental stability and satisfaction with life.
In the word of J.f William, ‘Health is the quality of life that enables the people to live most and to serve best’ .According to world Health Organisation “Health is a condition of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”.
Health implies a sufficient reserve of physical strength, ability as well as equilibrium to meet the demand of everyday life.
Most people think that health is merely freedom from illness. But this is only a narrow understanding of health. This concept of health is responsible for general ill-health and misery. So a wider view is needed which may also lead to positive health, with desirable growth and social values. This positive health goes beyond the more elimination of illness. It includes help and guidance in the upbringing of children especially in respect of nutrition, growth and development,immunity and maintenance, Knowledge and care of body, mental hygiene, rest and movements, recreation and emotional satisfaction.
Importance of Health
Good Health starts from the very infancy. It is here that protection and care is needed, so that each organ functions well, each organ develops naturally, and there are no deformities, disabilities and diseases. But often the health of children remains handicapped in any way, his ill-health spoils his adult life. He cannot join any active service, he cannot be a successful professionalist, nor can he live his life happily.
Health is the pivot upon which a man’s whole personality and its well-being depend. An ailing and aching body saps the enthusiasm for pursuit. Unwholesome feelings and sensations retard the pace of functional activity, economic development and spiritual uplift.
Health is, thus the basis of life. It is not only important but also essential to make one’s life happy. As long as a person is not healthy, he cannot be happy. He cannot serve his society. He can be a burden to himself and to the nation.