Health vs Wellness

 

Health vs. Wellness

Although you may not always have control over your state of health, you can choose to pursue wellness. Wellness involves making conscious, responsible decisions and taking proactive steps to maintain and improve your overall well-being.

Health refers to the presence or absence of illness, disease, or injury. It can also include genetic predispositions and unforeseen medical conditions.

Wellness, on the other hand, is an ongoing, active process of personal growth aimed at achieving optimal health and well-being. It involves making intentional choices and lifestyle changes, managing risk factors, eating nutritious foods, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in spiritual practices to support holistic health.

Risk Factors That Affect Health

Risk factors are behaviors or conditions that increase the likelihood of illness or injury. Key examples include:

• Smoking – Major contributor to lung cancer and heart disease.

• Alcohol consumption – Can damage the liver, cause strokes, heart conditions, and certain cancers.

• Unprotected sex – Increases risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.

• Extreme physical activity – Can result in injuries such as fractures and sprains.

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The Six Dimensions of Wellness

Wellness is holistic, encompassing more than just physical health. It includes six interconnected dimensions:

1. Physical Wellness
   Involves maintaining physical health through exercise, nutrition, hydration, sleep, and regular activity. It helps prevent disease and promotes overall energy and vitality.

2. Intellectual Wellness
   Encourages mental stimulation through learning, problem-solving, and creative thinking. Staying mentally active supports brain health and emotional well-being.

3. Emotional Wellness
   Reflects your ability to manage stress, express emotions appropriately, and maintain a positive self-image. It also involves empathy and understanding toward others.

4. Environmental Wellness
   Involves caring for the planet and living in a safe, clean environment. This includes efforts to reduce waste, avoid pollution, and maintain healthy surroundings.

5. Social Wellness
   Focuses on building healthy, supportive relationships. Staying connected with friends, family, and community enhances happiness and mental health.

6. Spiritual Wellness
   Relates to finding purpose, meaning, and inner peace. It may include meditation, nature, or acts of kindness and compassion—not necessarily religious practices.

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