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What Health Really Means
- Health is not just about not having a disease.
- It also means feeling good in body, mind, and social life.
- A healthy person takes care of the body and keeps a positive mind.
- A healthy person also enjoys time with family and friends.
Example 1 — A Cheerful Student
- She eats well, plays daily, and sleeps on time.
- She is happy and gets along with her friends.
- So she is healthy in body, mind, and social life.
Example 2 — A Lonely Boy
- A boy has no disease but feels very lonely.
- He cannot sleep well and feels sad all day.
- So he is not fully healthy, even without any disease.
Important Points
- Health has three sides — physical, mental, and social.
- Being free of disease alone does not mean good health.
Definition — Health
As per the WHO, health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not just the absence of disease.
Procedure
A Grade 8 student moved to a new school in another city. With no friends and busy parents, he felt lonely. To cope, he spent more time on his phone and social media, but this made him feel worse. He stopped trying to make friends, had headaches, lost weight, and could not sleep well. A doctor advised less screen time and meeting a counsellor. The school counsellor helped him make friends and improve his health.
Think and Reflect
What was the cause of the boy's health problems? How did his habits and surroundings affect his well-being?
Explanation
Loneliness and too much screen time hurt his mind first. This then harmed his body — poor sleep, headaches, and weight loss. So good health needs friends, rest, and a calm mind too.
◆ Summary
- Loneliness harmed his mind.
- Too much screen time worsened it.
- Body health fell too.
- Friends and rest helped him.
🌿 Our Scientific Heritage — Ayurveda
Ayurveda teaches that true health is a balance of body, mind, and surroundings. Following dinacharya (daily routine) and ritucharya (seasonal routine) helps keep this balance.
Eating fresh food suited to one's prakriti (body type) is important. Regular exercise, cleanliness, restful sleep, and a calm mind support well-being. This is also helped by yoga, meditation, and mindfulness.
🧠 Test Yourself — Section 3.1
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Is being healthy only about not having a disease?
View Answer
No. Health also means feeling good in body, mind, and social life. -
What are the three sides of health?
View Answer
Physical, mental, and social well-being. -
Who gave the famous definition of health?
View Answer
The World Health Organization (WHO). -
Can a person with no disease still be unhealthy?
View Answer
Yes. If they are lonely, sad, or sleep badly, they are not fully healthy. -
What does Ayurveda say true health is?
View Answer
A balance of body, mind, and surroundings.
