How is health defined?

• A. The absence of disease or infirmity
• B. A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity
• C. A temporary condition of health
• D. A measure of fitness and energy

Answer: (B)

Health is best understood as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. This means true health isn’t just about not being sick—it includes how well you function day to day, how you manage stress and emotions, and how you interact with others and your environment. For example, someone may have a chronic condition that’s well controlled, but if their mental health is balanced, they feel socially connected, and they can carry out daily activities, they’re experiencing health in a holistic sense. Conversely, lacking disease isn’t the same as being healthy if there’s poor mental health or social isolation. The other descriptions focus only on not being ill, a temporary state, or just energy and fitness, missing the broader, integrated sense of well-being that health encompasses.