The world health organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absense of disease and infirmity. Basically, any person is considered health unless whatever illness you are suffering from hinders you from accomplishing your daily needs within the limit of your illness or disability.

However, this definition by WHO does not offer variations when it comes to the level of wellness.  A person's level of wellness is not always constant and it changes within time. It can be very high at one time and then suddenly, it can shift from very poor or to even death.  Typically, all human beings have the ability to experience both level of health and illness at a varying degree.

 

Despite the intensive health related education and positive attitude that people are developing towards health, personal level of wellness is still affected by many factors. These are what is called the risk factors. A risk factor is anything that increases the chance of someone acquiring a disease.

 

Factors that Affect Health

The following are the 5 major areas of risk factors;

 

1.  Age - For examples, adults who are 50 years and above are more prone to Colon cancer.

Women after menopause - prone to esteoporosis due to decreased estrogen levels.

 

2.  Unhealthy lifestyle -  For Examples - Sedentary lifestyle leads to Coronary Heart diseases and osteoporosis.

Multiple sexual partner - Cervical Cancer and Hepatitis B or Liver Cirrhosis.

Chronic alcohol - Can lead to Pancreatitis

 

3. Stress - Stress can lead to increased blood sugar due to increased Cortisol hormone, depression and blood pressure.

 

4. Genetics -  Family history - Predispose a person to developing a disease.

Obesity and overweight - Diabetes, heart diseases, cholecystitis

autosomal disorders - Cystic Fibrosis and Sickle cell

 

4.  Vices

Smoking - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), lung Cancer

Unhealthy diet - Increase in fiber and low fiber - Colorectal Cancer

Too much carbohydrates - Cancer of Pancreas

Decrease in fiber - Diverticulosis

Alcohol abuse - Pancreatitis and Liver Cirrhosis