The Importance Of Health And Well-Being

Health and well-being as a concept can be difficult to describe as peoples’ perceptions over time and place has been shown to vary.
National health and medical research council NHMRC (1996, cited in Thompson 2014), noted that the ‘Australian aborigine view health as not just the physical well-being of the individual but also the social, emotional, spiritual and cultural well-being of the whole community. While the Chinese see it as harmony between man and his environment. Wilson et al (2015) These views differ from the western biomedical approach to health.
There are many dimensions to health which includes the physical, emotional, intellectual, sexual, social, and spiritual and these can be influenced by age, sex, genes, socioeconomic,

Furthermore, well-being as a concept is an important part of our health.
The department for Environment, Food and Rural affairs defines it broadly as ‘a positive physical, social and mental state; it is not just the absence of pain, discomfort and incapacity. It requires that basic needs are met, that individuals have a sense of purpose, that they feel able to achieve important personal goals and participate in society. It is enhanced by conditions that include supportive personal relationships, strong and inclusive communities, good health, financial and personal security, rewarding employment, and a healthy and attractive environment.’ DEFRA (2009)
The balance point when individuals have the psychological, social and physical resources they need to meet a particular psychological, social and/or physical challenge Dodge et al (2012)
We can say that health and well-being are linked concepts, to achieve a full state in one you need the other to fulfill it. You need health to enjoy a state of well-being. Walker and John (2012) noted ‘Health is linked to well-being but have a disease focus whereas, well-being includes the social determinants of

Factors that contribute to stress include: Work conditions and environment; occupational category; age and gender; household income, relationships and social support or lack of it; poor housing conditions; physical health issues; poverty; migration and cultural orientation, traumatic life events. By occupational category, stress-related illnesses in healthcare professionals including nurses were high compared to all other jobs. HSE (2016); Gibb et al (2010).
Stress affects individuals, organization and society in many ways. Acceptable levels of stress can be beneficial leading to increased productivity or detrimental resulting in emotional, cognitive, behavioural, and psychological changes like headaches, tiredness, accidents, irritability. Stranks. J (2005). It has also been linked to coronary heart disease in men and women HSE (2002). Other believe that stress is the primary cause of hypertension Cooper and Cartwright (1997).
Aging and health deterioration can lead to low income potential, dependency on benefits, changes in living arrangements, being socially isolated or abused resulting in emotional stress and depression. Allen (2008 cited in Larkin