Social Well-being

 

You probably don't realize it, but your in­volvement in the society in which you live plays a part in your overall health. Until re­cently, health specialists paid little attention to the social aspect of well-being. Now, however, more and more health experts are recognizing that our social relationships are relevant to our health.

At one level, social health is concerned with the people with whom we come into contact. Our relationships with our parents, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances all have a bear­ing on our health. Conflicts with parents or friends are stressful, and stress can have ad­verse effects on our bodies and our minds. People who enjoy close, supportive relation­ships and who get along well with their families are likely to be healthier than those who don't.

At a higher level, social health is concerned with our roles within society as a whole. For a society to function well, its members need to recognize certain basic needs. Each one of us can contribute to the well-being of our own so­ciety in a variety of ways.

You could, for example, volunteer your time or money to help others or to work for impor­tant causes. Or you could aim for a life style that minimizes waste of natural resources, con­serves energy, and reduces environmental pol­lution. For instance, you might choose to walk or ride a bicycle rather than drive a car. This would not only help society, but it would also be good for your physical and mental health.

Taking responsibility for your personal health also contributes to social health. If you look after yourself, you are less likely to be­come a burden to others because of illness. Ideally, people with high levels of social health give more to the world than they take from it.

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

 

1. How has the World Health Organization de­fined health?

2. Describe some of the health-determining factors that are beyond our control.

3. List three practices that can affect our phys­ical well-being. What happens to muscles and joints that are not used?

4. Describe the characteristics of mentally healthy people.

5. Explain the different levels of social well-being. How does taking care of your own health contribute to social well-being?