Health Beliefs That You Should Know
We all want to live a healthy life and lead as healthy a lifestyle as we can. Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is, “a condition of full physical, mental and emotional well-being with no limitations.” A number of definitions have also been used over the years for various purposes. For most people, the definition of health is closely associated with their daily diet, exercise routine, and medical status. The following are some common misconceptions about health and how to live healthy.
The first misconception about health refers to those that are overweight or obese. Many people perceive being overweight as something very bad. However, in most cases, there are genetic and environmental factors that contribute to obesity, so it is not always possible to do anything about being overweight. However, it is very important to strive for good health, so it is helpful to develop healthy behaviors and physical well-being.
The second misconception about health is related to those that smoke or use tobacco products. It is believed that if you smoke, you will end up with more health problems. This is true only if you do not start as an adult and continue to smoke in your adult life. However, quitting smoking as a young person can have lifelong positive benefits on health, mentally health, and the quality of your life. The effects of smoking are far reaching and long lasting, especially in terms of your physical well-being.
The third misconception is linked to public health and the promotion of good health. People often confuse good health with physical fitness. However, a good health definition does not mean having a fit body. It also means the overall health of the body including a balanced diet and adequate levels of physical activity. A balanced diet refers to eating foods that are rich in nutrients like fiber, carbohydrates, protein, and minerals. Having an adequate level of physical activity daily is essential not only for achieving good health but also for maintaining good health.
Finally, a fourth common misbelief about health is that people are psychologically healthy if they are happy and physically healthy. People assume that if you are happy, you are in good psychological health. However, studies show that people who are in good psychological health may be more physically fit, healthier, and more able to resist stress than those who are unhappy.
If you want to enjoy optimal physical well-being and a good mental health, it is important to develop a consistent physical healthful lifestyle through eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol abuse. It is also recommended to adopt a regular active lifestyle such as sports, gardening, and other forms of exercise. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important as studies show that being overweight tends to shorten life spans. Adequate sleep and relaxation also helps in reducing stress and anxiety.