Health, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1948, is defined as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
Physical, mental, and social health are important in everyone’s daily life.
Mental health has been emphasised in recent years. In this article, we will discuss the importance of education on health matters.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health is the state of psychological, social and emotional well-being. It is not necessarily the absence of mental illness but awareness, care and maintenance, involving self-care routines that work for individuals.
Physical health: It is the general well-being of an individual’s body and can be attained through rest, sleep, nutrition, stress management, exercise, and a balanced diet to improve individual health.
Social health: It involves emotional intelligence, effective communication, participation in social activities, and fostering connections with other people.
What is Education?
Education is the process of acquiring knowledge, skills and values. It is a process of learning and is influenced by many factors including social, emotional and physical development.
Health benefits cannot be talked about enough or overemphasised. For one, good health is essential to living a happy life. When we are healthy, we are energetic, focused and of sound mind, which makes up the overall well-being of an individual through nutrition, exercise and lifestyle.
On the other hand, education plays a vital role in maintaining good health. This is by learning about nutrition, exercise habits, lifestyle and their effects on an individual, family and community.
Good health and education are intertwined in so many ways. For example, a healthy body aids in better academic performance as it boosts cognitive abilities, memory retention and concentration levels. Educating individuals on the positive impact of mental health by providing them with the knowledge, skills, mindset, and technical know-how on managing stress, anxiety, bipolar, and other mental health issues.
It also keeps us informed about life-threatening diseases like celiac, diabetes, cancer, heart and viral diseases, their symptoms, cure and control. These days medical practitioners create diverse content on health and lifestyle; videos and writings on the importance of hydration, and the health benefits of alligator pepper, cloves and the like.
What then is Health Education?
Health education is defined as a program introduced to individuals or communities devised to inform them about health and wellness. It is a program consistent in enlightenment and activities to improve health-related knowledge and mindset.
Societies should give access to or provide quality healthcare and education as it is a fundamental human right which every citizen should be entitled to despite their financial status. The government needs to prioritise investments in the educational and health sectors. Organisations like WHO, UNICEF, UNESCO, etc. implement both for a better future.
Having access to quality education and its resources is necessary when it comes to treatments and preventive measures individuals should take. For example, during the coronavirus pandemic, several articles, educational videos and outreaches were sent across for safety.
It also informs individuals on self-care practices and their benefits to ascertain optimal long-term wellness and wellness of mind and body, which increases productivity in the economy and nation at large.
A healthy and educated population leads to increased productivity, economic growth, and reduced healthcare costs.
Education and health are underestimated. These two are no water under the bridge. They should be talked about and emphasised on a daily.
Conclusion
The importance of health and education are good well-being, a healthier mind and body, improved health, an increase in mental performance, social connections and interactions. By prioritising both, everyone has the opportunity to live a long, healthy, and productive life.
Remember, health is wealth… Education sharpens the mind.
Together, they are powerful.
Read also: Keeping Fit For Life: Healthy Ageing and the Role of Exercise.
