Achieving good health is a complex task. It depends on a number of factors, some of which are outside of the control of individual people, such as genetics, inherited conditions, and environmental factors. Other factors are within the control of individuals and societies, such as nutrition, exercise, education, lifestyle choices, housing, income, and access to health care services.
Multiple definitions of Health exist, ranging from the narrow biomedical definition limiting health to absence of disease or infirmity to a broader World Health Organization definition that includes mental and social well-being. This 2021 commentary focuses on the latter: “health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” It is dynamic, continuous, multidimensional, distinct from functional limitations, determined by balance and adaptation, and influenced by a range of personal and environmental resources.
When writing about health, think about your audience. This will help you to focus your idea and ensure that the information is relevant to them. For example, if you are writing about a new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to know whether the audience is made up of people who have already been diagnosed or their family members. It is also helpful to know how much they already know about the topic and what questions they still have. Finally, be aware that your audience may be limited in their ability to read and understand health-related information (e.g., due to a disability or cultural beliefs).