Health – a word heard by all, but do we really know what it means? To many people it may simply mean “the absence of disease.” Do not worry if this is you, because I once shared this same idea and am now studying and learning about what this small, six-letter word actually means.

A term was once considered to have a simple and narrow definition has now expanded into a multidimensional concept. Today, health has taken a holistic approach with many dimensions (physical, emotional, social, spiritual, occupational and environmental) that are both interdependent and interactive. The ultimate goal of health is no longer to just be free of disease; it is also to achieve a concept known as complete well-being. To be considered healthy, or to have complete well-being, one must find a balance amongst the dimensions of health.

Complicated, I know, but bear with me. This evolving concept of health is not as difficult to understand as it appears. Basically, being considered healthy is much more than just being free of disease. There are many more factors to consider. You need to examine your life. Look at your relationships with friends and family. Look at whether or not you are able to maintain quality relationships. Decide if you live in a place where you feel safe and if you have a job that is fulfilling and that you enjoy.

Determine if you feel excitement and if you have the ability to cope with stress and anxiety. Ask yourself if you feel a sense of purpose and meaning in life. And last, but not least, do you feel physically healthy? Of course these are not the only questions you can ask but if you can find a balance between all of these dimensions you can achieve complete well-being and consider yourself healthy.

Are people unhealthy due to factors, out of his or her control? The answer is no. Of course there are some exceptions to this, such as biological factors which are out of personal control, but the majority of chronic diseases seen today are largely influenced by modifiable risk factors, including tobacco and alcohol use, obesity, physical inactivity and diet. Health can be tremendously increased by simply changing your lifestyle in a positive way. For the most part, your health is in your hands, and I suggest you take control of it.

Everyone has the potential to achieve complete well-being. It is not always easy and at times your health will be tested. Some of us may deal with depression and anxiety, live in an area of crime or have trouble maintaining quality relationships. On the other hand, others may never experience any of these things.

A silver lining to any of you who feel that you may not be achieving complete well-being is that there is a fast-growing profession designed to help you reach your goals. There are wellness professionals and educators specialized to help you with any dimension you may feel is lacking in your health, and they will help you find the balance necessary to achieve complete well-being.

So I encourage you to adopt this newfound, emerging concept and strive to achieve a positive balance among the health dimensions. Then ask yourself, “Am I healthy?”