| Health can be defined negatively, as the absence of illness, functionally as the ability to cope with everyday activities, or
positively, as fitness and well-being (Blaxter 1990). In any organism,
health is a form of homeostasis. This is a state of balance, with
inputs and outputs of energy and matter in
equilibrium (allowing for growth). Health also implies good prospects for continued survival. In sentient creatures such as
humans, health is a broader concept.
The World Health Organization defines
health as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and does not consist only of the absence of disease
or infirmity." Though this is a useful and accurate definition, some would consider it idealistic and non-realistic. Using the
WHO definition classifies 70-95% of people as unhealthy.
The most solid aspects of wellness that fit firmly in the realm of medicine are
the environmental health, nutrition, disease prevention, and public health matters
that can be investigated and assist in measuring
well-being.
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