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Introduction to Health MODULE-3
health that will enable every individual to lead a socially and economically Holistic Health
productive life”. This seems health is difficult to define but easier to understand.
The definition of health has changed from time to time. Many of us define it as
absence of disease or infirmity and some think of it as sound mind and sound
function of the body. Health is not only the absence of illness or deformity, it is
the quality of life, where fitness for performing own work and happiness are its
distinct marks.
Good health presupposes the existence of sound physical and social environment
in which man lives. Health is conducive to learn about happiness, success, Note
productive citizenship and meaningful living.
Thus we can say good health means
the proper functioning of the physique (physical parts of the body),
the chemique (chemical reactions inside the body), and
the psychique (the harmonious functioning of the mind).
“Health is a condition where an individual is physically, mentally,
socially, emotionally, and spiritually sound, thus it is more than just
being disease free or free from any physical deformity”.
You have learnt the concept and meaning of health. Now we are going to study
the definitions of health.
Definitions of Health
According to J.F. Williams, “Health is the quality of life that enables an individual
to live most and serve best”.
Webster Collegiate Dictionary defines health as “The state of being sound in
body, mind or spirit, especially freedom from physical disease or pain”.
According to D. Oberteuffer, “Health is the condition of the organism which
measures the degree to which its aggregate powers are able to function”.
After reading these definitions you can say health is a ‘quality of life’ where an
individual is in a condition of ‘being sound’ in all aspects of life and able to
serve the nation in a better productive way. Health is not only the freeness from
the disease or any physical disconformity. It is much more.
DO YOU KNOW?
In the Constitution of India, it has been mentioned that health sector should
be looked after by the state governments, not by the central government.
Every state will be accountable for “raising the level of nutrition and the
standard of living of its people and the improvement of public health as
among its primary duties”.
(Part IV- Directive Principles of State Policy. Ar. 47)
Physical Education and Yog
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