Health: more than just the absence of illness

The multifaceted world of health

Health - a word we hear every day, but do we really know what it means? Spoiler: It's more than just not having the sniffles in winter! Health is a complex concept that differs according to cultural, medical and individual contexts. In this blog post, we will look at the different dimensions of health and find out if there is a difference between our idea of health and its actual definition.

Medical definition: The science of well-being

Let's start with the question that even Google would love: How does medicine define health? The World Health Organization (WHO) describes health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity [1]. That sounds pretty impressive, doesn't it? This definition emphasizes that health is more comprehensive than just the absence of disease.

In practice, this means that healthcare professionals don't just look at whether your lungs are wheezing or your knee is creaking. They are also interested in whether you are happy, whether you have social support and how you deal with stress. The medical definition therefore makes it clear that health is a holistic concept.

But how often do we measure our own well-being against this standard? Often we only focus on the physical aspect of health. A broken arm is obvious, but what about stress or loneliness? These invisible challenges are just as important to our health.

Cultural perspectives: Health around the globe

While medicine attempts to define health in a universal framework, cultures around the world view health differently. In some cultures, health is seen as harmony - not only between body and mind, but also between humans and nature. In other cultures, health can be associated with spiritual well-being.

One example: In traditional Chinese medicine, health is the result of a balanced flow of Qi in the body. This view differs greatly from Western medicine, which focuses on biomedical models. This shows that our cultural conditioning plays a major role in how we perceive health.

Cultural differences can also influence how people react to health problems. In some cultures it may be considered undignified to talk about mental health problems, while in other cultures it is talked about openly. This shows that health is not only biological, but also cultural.

The discrepancy: what we think vs. what it is

Now that we've looked at both the medical and cultural perspectives, let's ask ourselves: is there a difference between what we think health is and what it actually is? The short answer: yes, and it couldn't be bigger.

Many people confuse health with fitness or a certain body image. These misconceptions are often reinforced by the media, which present us with a very narrow image of what health should look like.

Another common misconception is that health is something static. In reality, health is dynamic and changes over the course of our lives. What is healthy for a 20-year-old may be unhealthy for a 70-year-old. Health is therefore a constantly changing state that adapts to our circumstances.

The influence of our environment on our health

Let's go one step further and look at how our environment affects our health. A walk in the park can work wonders, while a crowded bus to work can have the opposite effect. Studies show that our environment - be it the air we breathe or the people we surround ourselves with - has a significant impact on our health [2].

A health-promoting environment is one that offers us opportunities to relax, exercise and socialize. It is a place where we feel safe and supported. Therefore, it is important to design both our physical and social environment to optimize our health.

But how often do we think about how our environment affects our wellbeing? We often take our surroundings for granted without realizing how they affect our health. The next time you feel stressed, take a look around you - maybe it's time for a change.

The role of nutrition: you are what you eat

Now we come to one of the favorite topics of many: nutrition. It's no secret that what we eat has a direct impact on our health. But did you know that nutrition not only affects our body, but also our mind?

A balanced diet can do wonders for our well-being. Foods that are rich in nutrients provide our bodies with the energy they need to function optimally. A healthy diet can also help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases [3].

But nutrition is more than just counting calories. It's about developing a positive relationship with food and learning to listen to our bodies. Eating should be a pleasure, not a chore.

The importance of a balanced diet cannot be overstated: Current research by the National Institutes of Health shows that around 10.6% of all deaths are directly linked to a poor diet. The link is particularly clear in the case of cardiovascular disease, where as many as 55% of deaths can be attributed to dietary factors. These figures impressively underline how much our eating habits influence our health [4].

Exercise: The key to a long life

Exercise is another important factor for our health. It not only strengthens our muscles and bones, but also has positive effects on our mental health. Regular exercise can reduce stress, lift our mood and increase our self-esteem [5].

But how much exercise is enough? The recommendation is to do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. That may sound like a lot, but it can be as simple as a walk during your lunch break or a round of yoga in the evening.

For many people, exercise is not a priority in their hectic everyday lives. However, it is important to make time for exercise in order to stay healthy in the long term. Remember: a little exercise is better than no exercise. So, get out there and get moving!

Mental health: the invisible side of health

Mental health is an often overlooked but incredibly important aspect of health. It influences how we think, feel and act. Good mental health enables us to deal with life's challenges, have healthy relationships and be productive [6].

Unfortunately, mental health is often stigmatized, and many people are reluctant to seek help. However, it's important to realize that mental health is just as important as physical health. If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, don't hesitate to seek support.

There are many ways to promote mental health: Mediation, journaling, talking to friends or a therapist - the list is long. Find out what works for you and integrate it into your everyday life.

The influence of sleep on health

Sleep is another important factor that is often underestimated. A good night's sleep enables our body to recover and regenerate. At the same time, poor sleep has a negative impact on our health and can increase the risk of illness [7].

Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night to function optimally. But how often do we really allow ourselves this time of rest? Sleep should be prioritized just as highly as diet and exercise.

Tips for better sleep include: keeping a regular bedtime, avoiding electronic devices before bed and creating a relaxing sleep environment. Give it a try and see how much better you feel!

Social relationships: The human factor of health

Last but not least: the influence of social relationships on our health. Humans are social beings, and strong social ties are crucial for our well-being. Studies show that people with strong social relationships live longer and have fewer health problems [8].

Friendships and family relationships offer emotional support and a sense of belonging. They help us to deal with stress and simply make life more enjoyable. So take time for your loved ones and nurture your relationships.

Of course, not all relationships are positive. It's important to recognize unhealthy relationships and set boundaries to protect our health. Surround yourself with people who inspire and support you.

Conclusion: Health is a holistic concept

In summary, health is a multi-layered concept that goes far beyond the absence of illness. It encompasses physical, mental and social well-being and is influenced by both individual and cultural factors.

The journey to a healthy life starts with small steps: a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, mental health care and strong social relationships. Remember that health is dynamic and changes throughout our lives.

Stay curious, open to change and committed to your health. After all, it is a lifelong process that not only makes us healthy, but also happy.

Sources:

1 World Health Organization. (n.d.). Constitution of the World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/about/governance/constitution

2 Frumkin, H. (2001). Beyond toxicity: Human health and the natural environment. *American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 20*(3), 234-240.

3 Willett, W., Rockström, J., Loken, B., Springmann, M., Lang, T., Vermeulen, S., ... & Murray, C. J. L. (2019). Food in the Anthropocene: the EAT-Lancet Commission on healthy diets from sustainable food systems. *The Lancet, 393*(10170), 447-492.

4 Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, "Diet Research Analysis", 2023]

5 Warburton, D. E., Nicol, C. W., & Bredin, S. S. (2006). Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence. *CMAJ, 174*(6), 801-809.

6 Keyes, C. L. (2007). Promoting and protecting mental health as flourishing: A complementary strategy for improving national mental health. *American Psychologist, 62*(2), 95-108.

7 Walker, M. P. (2009). The role of sleep in cognition and emotion. *Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1156*(1), 168-197.

8 Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010). Social relationships and mortality risk: A meta-analytic review. *PLoS Med, 7*(7), e1000316.

Professional qualifications

- Rolfing® is a registered service mark of the Dr Ida Rolf Institute of Structural Integration

- Sharon Wheeler's ScarWork™ refers to the specific methodology developed by Sharon Wheeler

- All trademarks mentioned remain the property of their respective owners

Professional standards All medical and scientific statements are based on current research and professional experience. As an alternative practitioner in training, I work according to the strict guidelines of the German Alternative Practitioners Act.

About the author:

Tobias Elliott-Walter is a certified Rolfer® (European Rolfing® Association, Munich) and ScarWork™ practitioner for integrative scar work. His expertise is based on practical experience and continuous training in fascia work. As a practicing therapist in Saarbrücken, he combines scientific knowledge with practical application.

His qualifications include:

- Certified Rolfer® (European Rolfing® Association, Munich)

- ScarWork™ practitioner for integrative scar work

- Certified Sivananda Yoga Teacher (Bahamas Ashram, 2018)

- Alternative practitioner in training

His holistic approach is based on the conviction that physical and mental well-being are inextricably linked. Thanks to his international professional experience, he offers treatments in both German and English.

Important note:

This article is for information purposes only and does not replace medical advice. The information shared here is based on current scientific research and practical experience. If you have any health complaints, please consult your doctor or therapist.

© 2025 Tobias Elliott-Walter. All rights reserved.

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