what is human health II Human health

Human Health

In simple words, human health refers to the state of health of the human race. The race includes about eight billions people living around the world. Many factors affecting human health and the health of other species of the earth are common. But, we have some peculiar norms and standards against disease germs, micro-organisms, and several advanced organisms residing in the dirty habitats in defining health.

Health is a relative state in which one is able to function well physically, mentally, socially and spiritually in order to express the full range of one's unique potentialities within the environment in which one is living. Health is basically affected and determined by a balanced diet, healthy environment, physical activities as well as a safer and healthier lifestyle.

Balanced Diet

A balanced diet is the balanced intake of nutrients required for proper continuation of life processes. A balanced diet contains various groups on nutrients , particularly  carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins. It meets a person's caloric need. The components of a balanced diet differ according to age, sex, physical activity and the psychological state. Children need more protein for growth and development. A person who work very hard needs more intake of carbohydrates and  fats. A balanced diet includes the following three basic categories of food in appropriate proportion.

a) Heat and energy yielding foods

It is food containing carbohydrates and fats, which are responsible for the production of heat and energy in our body. They are needed more in comparison to other category of foods for our body. There must  be 50-60% of carbohydrates and 30-35% of fat in a balanced diet. They can be obtained from the foods including rice, maize, potato, sweet potato, honey, sugar, wheat, yam, oil, butter, ghee, etc.

b) Body building food

Food containing different forms of proteins is known as  body building food as it is essential of the production of new  cells and tissues. There must be 10-15 % protein in daily food for balanced diet. Proteins are necessary for growth and development. Animal proteins can be obtained from fish, meat, egg, milk, etc. Plant proteins can be obtained from grams, bean, lentil, etc.

c) Protective food

It is a set of food containing minerals and vitamins, which are responsible for developing the protective power of the body against germs and diseases . They can be obtained from the food items, including vegetables and fruits.

A balanced diet is obtained from appropriate inclusion of different types of food. The importance of food is mentioned below:

1.        i.          Food provides necessary health and energy required for the body.
2.      ii.          Food maintains homoeostatic features like temperature, blood pressure, limit of hormones, salts, etc. in the body.
3.    iii.          It promotes growth by replenishing and repairing tissues.
4.    iv.          It helps to regulate body processes  and functions properly.
5.      v.          It protects the body from disease.

Healthy Environment

There are many people living in a common environment. This common environment must be healthy for the sound health of the people living there.  There is an integrated and unified effort  at sanitation, control of pollution, and other environmental hazards. Therefore, community health is very important for the development of the healthy environment.

A healthy environment requires cleanliness of surroundings. For this, we should keep our home, courtyard, neighbourhood, and community clean. The process of keeping our environment clean is called environmental sanitation. Environmental sanitation, sometimes, is used synonymously as environmental health. A healthy and favourable environment  always helps to  provide productive manpower for the nation and it helps to maintain quality life. Environmental sanitation encompasses the activities like proper management of waste materials, a proper drainage system, supply of clean drinking water, management of clean latrine, etc. In this way, we can say that environmental sanitation and health are closely related to each other.

 
Physical Activities

Physical Activities

Physical activities are essential for a healthy life. We can improve the strength, agility , immunity and tolerance of our body with the help of physical exercises. Physical exercises are the movements of our body parts in a scientific ways to keep them healthy and strong. Physical exercises may be taken individually or in a group depending upon the type and steps of the exercise.

Health benefits of physical activities

1. Physical activity reduces the risk of diseases and mortality.
2. Physical activity reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
3. Physical  activities help in developing fair skin and attractive body.
4. Physical activities reduce mental stress and tension.
5. Physical activity is an effective treatment for peripheral vascular disease and high blood pressure.
6. Active people have a  30% to 40% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to inactive people . Also, for those who have already developed type-2 diabetes, the risk of premature death is much lower of active and fit patients than for inactive and unfit patients.
7. Physical activity promotes strength, coordination and balance. This is particularly important for older people, in reducing their risk of falls and helping them to maintain their capacity to carry out common activities of daily livings. As a result, physical activity can help older people sustain an independent lifestyle for longer.
8. Physical activity is associated with a reduction in the risk of cancer.
9. Physical activity reduces the risk of depression and cognitive decline in adults and other adults.

All humans have to eat food for the growth and maintenance of a healthy body, but we humans have different requirements as infants, children, teenagers, young adults, adults and seniors. For example, infants may require feeding every four hours until they gradually age and begin to take in more solid foods. Eventually they develop into the more normal pattern of eating three times per day as young kids. However,  as most parent know, kids, teenagers and young adults often snack between meals. Snacking is often not limited to these age groups  because adults and seniors often do the same.

Some guidelines for  a safer and healthier lifestyle are :

1. Have regular exercises everyday. Keep yourself neat, clean and smart.
2. Eat at least three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) . The meals should contain all types of nutrients in appropriate amounts.
3. Remain fresh and calm mentally. Excessive stress and mental tensions ruin our health.
4. The bulk of food consumption should consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk products.
5. Choose food that is low in saturated fats, trans-fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium) , and added sugars; look at the labels because the first listed items on the labels comprise the highest concentrations of ingredients.
6. Snacks should consist of items like fruit, grains, or nuts to satisfy hunger and not cause excessive weight gain.
7. Avoid sodas and sugar-enhanced  drink because of the excessive calories in the sodas and sugar drinks; diet drinks may not be a good choice as they some people hungrier and increase food consumption.
8. Avoid eating a large meal before sleeping to decrease gastroesophageal  reflux and weight gain.
9. If a person is angry or depressed, eating will not solve these situations and may make the underlying problem worse.
10. Avoid rewarding children with sugary snacks, such a pattern may become a lifelong habit for people.
11. Avoid heavy meals in the summer months, especially during hot days.
12. A vegetarian lifestyle has  been promoted for a healthy lifestyle and weight loss; vegetarians should check with their physicians to be sure they are getting enough vitamins, minerals and iron in their food.
13. Cooking food (above 165 F) destroys most harmful bacteria and other pathogens; if you choose to eat uncooked foods like fruits or vegetables, they should be thoroughly washed with running treated (safe to drink) tap water right before eating.
14. Avoid eating raw or undercooked meats of any types.