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06. Dec, 2010 Comments Off

The Role of Physical and Mental Health

To many people, the concept of health simply means the absence of disease, flu, or illness. In fact, there are two primary components of health: physical health and mental health. Our physical health is manifested by our level of stamina and physical fitness, as well as our ability to ward off illness and disease. Mental health, on the other hand, is reflected by our coping strategies, intelligence, and emotional behaviors. These two elements of our health are both equally important, and they act interdependently to determine a person’s overall health or sense of well being.

While our physical health can be affected in part by our genetic makeup, it is determined in large part by the decisions that we make on a daily basis. Factors such as diet, exercise, sleeping habits, and health care maintenance have a major impact on physical health. For instance, a diet high in calories and saturated fat can ultimately contribute to obesity and heart disease, while a low fat, high fiber diet can aid with weight control and heart health. Deficiencies in sleep and exercise can also negatively impact health. Failure to obtain enough rest can make a person feel sluggish and can make us more succeptible to infection, while a lack of exercise reduces our physical stamina and muscle tone.

In contrast to our physical health, our mental health can be a bit more difficult to control. Whereas a person can choose to better his or her diet simply by consuming more fiber rich foods and fish, it is much more difficult for a person to improve his or her mood, emotional behaviors, or coping mechanisms. Common mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, are often quite difficult for a person to manage, and often require the intervention of a trained mental health professional. In contrast, people with the ability to cope well with stressors and problems enjoy a higher degree of mental health.

One of the best ways to begin to improve physical and mental health is to schedule a physical evaluation with your primary health care provider. This type of general physical evaluation typically begins with a review of the person’s medical history, and often involves an assessment of overall physical fitness and screening of the person’s physical appearance. Additionally, the evaluation often includes measurement of vital signs, such as blood pressure, oxygen saturation, temperature and heart rate. When warranted, the evaluation can include the measurement of cholesterol levels, blood counts, and thyroid levels. The physical evaluation also provides a forum during which a person can discuss any acute physical or emotional problems.

The benefits of an annual physical evaluation are numerous. Not only can the evaluation help identify health related deficiencies that may require the intervention of a specialist, but it serves as a means of tracking pertinent changes in physical and mental health. When regular physical evaluations are combined with a low fat diet, sufficient sleep, and regular exercise, a person is more apt to enjoy a more healthful life as compared to those individuals who fail to take steps to improve their well being.

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