Page 7 - Health, Population and Environment Education 9

The above definition says that a person is healthy when s/he
possesses various qualities. A person should be physically
strong, fit, mentally sharp and socially adjustable so as to be
said as healthy. Above all, a healthy person should be free
from any disease or any physical defirmities.

Physical well being Fig: 2
Physical well being is the condition in which a person is physically fit and strong, has
proper development of body systems and organs and is free from diseases as well.

Mental well being
Mental well being is the condition in which a person is mentally alert and sharp, has
proper development of mind, is able to judge right and wrong and able to take right
decisions at right time.

Social well being
Social well being is the condition in which a person is famous, follows norms and values
in society, is socially adjustable and has better relationship with others. Similarly, the
person should be is able to take leadership as well.

Spiritual well being
Spiritual well being is the condition in which a person is happy enough performing
spiritual activities.

Criticisms of definition of health given by WHO
The definition of health as given by WHO is broad. Though it is defined by WHO, it has
some drawbacks and is criticized. The definition is started with a state. But, health is not
a state. It is the reflection of our body systems, functioning of body organs and mind. It
is said that a person should be free from diseases and infirmities. Our health is dynamic
in nature and keeps on changing time and again. No matter how hard we try and make
efforts, we cannot remain healthy all the time throughout the whole year and life. Our
health may not remain constant in the morning and at night. Similarly, a person should
have physical, mental, social and spiritual well being to be said as healthy. But, it is very
hard to find a healthy person as healthy as defined by WHO. A person may not possess
all those qualities. A person may be good in one aspect but bad in another aspect. For
example, differently abled people are also famous and mentally sharp. Hellen Keller was
dumb, deaf and blind but she was said as mentally sharp and famous. Many players and
movie stars are physically fit and very popular but it is not sure that they are mentally
sharp. A very famous scholar may not be physically strong.
Every individual should try to remain healthy. A healthy person has several qualities/
characteristics. They are listed below:

Free from diseases Cooperative and friendly
Free from mental tensions and anxieties Self disciplined

GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 7