Health Science

Personal Philosophy of Health

Health is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as being “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (World Health Organization, 2003). Health is not a static state but keeps on changing constantly. For one to maintain a healthy body, he/she should exercise on a daily basis, eat healthy foods, drink healthy, and maintain mental health. It is also important to note that health goes beyond the mental and physical health and encompasses one’s spiritual needs. God needs us to be faithful to him and understand that He is the provider of everything (good health included). In addition, we should also have strong social bonds with family, neighbors, and friends. Having faith in Good and a good relationship with family and friends is a strong pillar for good health.

According to the teachings of the Bible we are to take care of our bodies and well-being. As stated in the New Testament, Jesus, the Great Physician. Jesus was concerned about an individual's spiritual and physical condition. “I have known people who consume only liquid for forty day while fasting” (Mark 8:2, NIV). As it is written in the four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), Jesus healed and taught many people.

The Bible states that when we are sick and suffering, we should pray, as the Lord will take care of us. James 5:14 says, “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14, NIV). We should also remember to honor God not only physically (through what we eat and drink), but spiritually and emotionally as well. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NIV) states, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NIV). It is important not to worry about what we put into our bodies (food and drink) but what we also put into our minds. In Psalms 147:3, the Bible encourages us that God is the healer of broken hearts and the binder of their wounds. In this context, broken hearts may refer to spiritual and mental health while wounds refer to the physical health.

In conclusion, we have a responsibility to live healthy lives that focus on disease prevention and health promotion. As it states in Romans, “Therefore, my desire, brothers, and sisters, is to understanding of God’s mercy, to offer my bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1, NIV).

References:

1. World Health Organization. WHO definition of Health. http://who.int/about/definition/en/print.html. Published 2003. Accessed September 24, 2016.

2. Holy Bible: New International Version. (2011). Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan. New King James Version. 1st Corinthians 6:19-20, Psalms 147:3, Proverbs 17:22.