Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. Hygiene is the practice of keeping yourself and your surroundings clean to prevent illness or the spread of diseases. This chapter covers the six nutrients in food, vitamin, mineral and protein deficiency diseases, the balanced diet, exercise, rest, personal hygiene, and the diseases caused by bacteria and viruses.
1. Health and Hygiene – Definitions
- The word 'health' refers to a state of complete emotional and physical well-being. Healthcare exists to help people maintain this optimal state of health.
- As defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), 'health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity'.
- Health is a dynamic condition resulting from the body's constant adjustment and adaptation to stresses and changes in the environment, for maintaining an inner equilibrium called homeostasis.
- Hygiene is a science of establishment and maintenance of health conditions or practices (as of cleanliness) conducive to health. Brushing your teeth regularly is an important part of good oral hygiene.
- Hygiene is also defined as the practice of keeping yourself and your surroundings clean, in order to prevent illness or the spread of diseases.