Health

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health, in its broadest sense, encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being, extending beyond the mere absence of disease. It involves the harmonious interaction of an individual with the environment and the ability to function optimally in all aspects of life. Good health and well-being enable us to live happy, fulfilling lives and free us up to achieve our best potential, supporting positive social and economic outcomes for individuals.

A few factors can influence an individual’s health, such as lifestyle choices (Diet, exercise, etc.), environment, social economy (income, education, and access to healthcare can significantly impact health outcomes), and genetics (diabetes, muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome, etc.). 

What is physical health? Physical health is a state of well-being where the body functions optimally, encompassing the absence of disease and a focus on overall wellness through various activities. Physical fitness is not only about being free from illness, but also about maintaining a healthy body through regular exercise, proper nutrition, sufficient rest, etc. One of the fun facts and benefits of maintaining good physical health is that it can also improve your mental health. Physical health positively influences mental well-being, reducing stress and improving mood. Physical health also prevents and manages various illnesses and injuries. You may ask, “How do we maintain good physical health?” Well based on health websites and organizations, there are a few that are the basic ones you need to fulfill which are having sufficient sleep, getting enough water or to hydrate (humans are made up of around 70% of water), having a balanced diet or having enough nutrition every day, get regular checkups, healthy habits, maintain body hygiene, etc… but to do all of of that you need to have consistency. If you don’t have consistency to do all those things, the individual can’t function optimally or make the best possible outcome.

The next one concerns mental health: “Well, what is mental health?” Well, based on the WHO (World Health Organization), mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well, work well, and contribute to their community. It affects an individual on how they think, feel, and act, and influences how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Some key aspects of mental health are resilience, coping skills, self-awareness, positive relationships, and a sense of purpose. Based on studies, childhood and adolescence can significantly impact mental health development. Though what worries me the most is that the younger generations are trying to look ‘cool’ by trying to have or fake having a mental illness because of their circle, groups, or their community. Nowadays, children are trying to have mental illnesses like ADHD, OCD, etc, to look cool. Based on my research, children and teens may engage in exaggerated displays of mental illness for a variety of reasons, some as them are trying to get attention (attention-seeking), social comparisons, or potentially as a coping mechanism for underlying insecurities. There is a mental illness called “Munchausen syndrome”. Munchausen syndrome is a rare type of mental disorder where a patient fakes illness to gain attention and sympathy, but again, it is still a rare type of mental condition.

Social well-being refers to the quality of an individual’s relationships and interactions, encompassing a sense of belonging, positive connections, and the ability to navigate social situations effectively. If our social well-being is good, then there are some benefits we can have, which are improved mental health, increased life satisfaction, enhanced resilience, etc. We can improve our social well-being by building new connections (joining clubs, volunteering, or participating in social activities to meet new people). Practice active listening (try to show empathy and understanding when you pay attention to what others are saying), seek support when needed, etc.

Name: Gracia Kylie Zhang
Class: 7A
Date: 14 August 2025
Time:  23.14