What is Health?

Health is defined by one medical source as "a state of optimal physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity."¹

From the Merriam-Webster OnLine dictionary, other definitions include:

(a) the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit; especially freedom from physical disease or pain;
(b) the general condition of the body.

Why should we be so concerned about health? Why should we read or study even one more article or look at another Web site about health? Consider this: a source from more than one hundred years ago reflected ".. time is well spent which is directed to the establishment and preservation of sound physical and mental health. It is too often the case that the precious boon of health is not appreciated until it is lost by transgression of nature's laws, and suffering and disease are experienced. It is easy to lose health, but it is difficult to regain it."²

¹ Dorland’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary, 27^th ed. p. 735.

² Ellen G. White, Review & Herald, 1884, 9/23.

[Last revised: 10/3/06]