Chronic conditions account for more than half of all deaths worldwide and are expected to account for more than two thirds of all deaths in the next 25 years. Chronic conditions continue to make progress despite the fact that these conditions are preventable to a large extent.
Globally, 57% of all deaths in a year are caused by chronic conditions and the World Health Organization (WHO) anticipates that about 65% of all deaths will be the result of chronic conditions by 2030. (More than 47 million deaths annually). Deaths due to chronic conditions are expected to rise by about 23% in the next 20 to 25 years. On the other hand, deaths due to other reasons are believed to remain roughly the same by 2030.
For all these reasons, the prevention of chronic conditions and sustaining health are very important. Lifestyle arrangement is the first step in preventing medical conditions. This involves smoking cessation, regular exercise and a balanced diet. On the other hand, establishing genetic loads and taking preventive measures against these loads are also important in terms of both improving the quality of life and extending life. For instance, persons who have diabetes or heart attack running in their families should watch out for these issues.
At this point, we come across the highly popular concept of “wellness” that actually means a feeling of general well-being. This means that well-being is not only restricted to physical wellness. Well-being has seven dimensions. In turn, these seven dimensions have different meanings. For total well-being, these seven dimensions must be achieved.
- Physical Wellness: Maintaining the body’s health by correct diet, physical activity, keeping away from harmful habits and preventive measures.
- Mental Wellness: Pursuing experiences/initiatives promoting personal development with a mind open to new ideas and participating in projects serving the community.
- Emotional and Psychological Wellness: Being able to understand emotions and to know about how to overcome daily problems. Developing thus a positive perspective for the whole of life and looking at the future with hope.
- Social Wellness: Being in communication with others and living in the society in a comfortable and supportive manner.
- Spiritual Wellness: Being able to give meaning to life and to develop self-belief. By this means, one’s beliefs and conduct become more harmonious.
- Occupational Wellness: Being able to do work overlapping with our values in the workplace. Adding our values to our work. Making the best use of our skills.
- Environmental Wellness: Being able to do our part in socially important environmental issues such as clean water, clean air and clean environment and to use our skills to support environmental matters.
Taking good care of ourselves is of great consequence for a long and high-quality life. Let’s not forget this.
Sources:
- World Economic Forum. Working towards wellness. The business rationale. 2008.
- The truth about wellness. McCann Truth Central.
- NHS Confederation. From illness to wellness. Achieving efficiencies and improving outcomes. Briefing. October 2011, Issue 224.
- Six dimentions of wellness model. 1976 by Bill Hettler: National Wellness Institute