NCERT Book: Understanding Health | NCERT Books & Solutions for Humanities - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

 Page 1


Understanding Healt H
2
Health is commonly understood as a state of absence of 
disease. This definition of health is focused only on the ability 
of the body to function, that may be disrupted from time to 
time by diseases. However, this definition of health is partial 
and covers only the physical aspect. In this perspective, the 
meaning of health has been changing over a period of time. 
In 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) defined it 
comprehensively as “a state of complete physical, mental 
and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease 
or infirmity.” Health is now referred to as a state of physical, 
mental, intellectual, emotional and social health and well-
being. It is the ability to adapt and manage physical, mental 
and social challenges throughout life. Moreover, it is also 
the ability of a person to handle stress, acquire skills, and 
maintain positive relationships. It is widely acknowledged 
that health is influenced by biological, socio-cultural, 
economic, and environmental forces. Access to basic needs 
like, food, safe drinking water supply, housing, sanitation, 
health services and availability of positive socio-cultural, 
economic, and environmental settings influence the health 
status of a population.
Healt H and its d imensions Health, indicates a sound body and a sound mind. It is 
multidimensional — the dimensions being physical, mental, 
emotional, social, spiritual and environmental. All these 
dimensions are interrelated with one another.
Physical Dimension
Physical dimension refers to the ability of a human body 
to function properly. It involves exercises, healthy habits, 
balanced diet, bone health, and body mass index. We 
Chap-2.indd   15 31-07-2020   15:25:11
2024-25
Page 2


Understanding Healt H
2
Health is commonly understood as a state of absence of 
disease. This definition of health is focused only on the ability 
of the body to function, that may be disrupted from time to 
time by diseases. However, this definition of health is partial 
and covers only the physical aspect. In this perspective, the 
meaning of health has been changing over a period of time. 
In 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) defined it 
comprehensively as “a state of complete physical, mental 
and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease 
or infirmity.” Health is now referred to as a state of physical, 
mental, intellectual, emotional and social health and well-
being. It is the ability to adapt and manage physical, mental 
and social challenges throughout life. Moreover, it is also 
the ability of a person to handle stress, acquire skills, and 
maintain positive relationships. It is widely acknowledged 
that health is influenced by biological, socio-cultural, 
economic, and environmental forces. Access to basic needs 
like, food, safe drinking water supply, housing, sanitation, 
health services and availability of positive socio-cultural, 
economic, and environmental settings influence the health 
status of a population.
Healt H and its d imensions Health, indicates a sound body and a sound mind. It is 
multidimensional — the dimensions being physical, mental, 
emotional, social, spiritual and environmental. All these 
dimensions are interrelated with one another.
Physical Dimension
Physical dimension refers to the ability of a human body 
to function properly. It involves exercises, healthy habits, 
balanced diet, bone health, and body mass index. We 
Chap-2.indd   15 31-07-2020   15:25:11
2024-25
Health and Physical Education - XI 16
can maintain a healthy body by taking proper nutrition, 
exercising, and avoiding harmful habits such as substance 
abuse. It is better to consume nutritious foods and beverages 
that enhance good health rather than those which impair it. 
Physical wellness is the ability to maintain the quality of life 
that allows one to get through daily activities without undue 
fatigue or physical stress. Optimal physical health consists 
of building physical strength, flexibility, coordinative ability, 
and endurance while taking safety precautions including 
medical self-care and appropriate use of a medical system, 
as well as protecting oneself from injuries and harm. It 
involves personal responsibility, disease prevention, and 
care for minor illnesses and also knowing when professional 
medical attention is needed. Being physically fit and feeling 
physically well often leads to the psychological benefits of 
enhanced self-esteem, self-control, determination and a 
sense of direction.
Mental Dimension
Mental health refers to the cognitive aspects of health that 
includes thinking, reasoning, remembering, imagining, and 
learning words. Cognitive aspect is related to the processes 
of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning, as 
contrasted with emotional processes. It refers to the ability of 
individuals to use their brain and think, process information 
and act properly. It is our capacity to master new skills, 
embrace humour, and creativity. A sound mental health 
plays an important role in shaping our daily activities. It 
helps individuals in making a complete person. To stimulate 
our mental health, we can engage in various activities such 
as questioning critically, involving ourselves in creative, and 
problem solving activities. Mental health leads to an increase 
in self-esteem, and thereby leads to confidence in social 
situations. A sound mental health depends primarily on 
increased physical activities. Engaging in games and sports 
regularly keeps us mentally active.
How can we have good mental health?
 • Eat healthy food: There are strong links between what 
we eat and how we feel. A ‘healthy diet’ is one that has 
enough essential nutrient, and provides the right amount 
of calories to maintain a healthy weight.
 • Express your feelings: Whenever we are feeling stressed, 
then talking about our feelings helps us to stay in good 
mental health.
Chap-2.indd   16 31-07-2020   15:25:11
2024-25
Page 3


Understanding Healt H
2
Health is commonly understood as a state of absence of 
disease. This definition of health is focused only on the ability 
of the body to function, that may be disrupted from time to 
time by diseases. However, this definition of health is partial 
and covers only the physical aspect. In this perspective, the 
meaning of health has been changing over a period of time. 
In 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) defined it 
comprehensively as “a state of complete physical, mental 
and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease 
or infirmity.” Health is now referred to as a state of physical, 
mental, intellectual, emotional and social health and well-
being. It is the ability to adapt and manage physical, mental 
and social challenges throughout life. Moreover, it is also 
the ability of a person to handle stress, acquire skills, and 
maintain positive relationships. It is widely acknowledged 
that health is influenced by biological, socio-cultural, 
economic, and environmental forces. Access to basic needs 
like, food, safe drinking water supply, housing, sanitation, 
health services and availability of positive socio-cultural, 
economic, and environmental settings influence the health 
status of a population.
Healt H and its d imensions Health, indicates a sound body and a sound mind. It is 
multidimensional — the dimensions being physical, mental, 
emotional, social, spiritual and environmental. All these 
dimensions are interrelated with one another.
Physical Dimension
Physical dimension refers to the ability of a human body 
to function properly. It involves exercises, healthy habits, 
balanced diet, bone health, and body mass index. We 
Chap-2.indd   15 31-07-2020   15:25:11
2024-25
Health and Physical Education - XI 16
can maintain a healthy body by taking proper nutrition, 
exercising, and avoiding harmful habits such as substance 
abuse. It is better to consume nutritious foods and beverages 
that enhance good health rather than those which impair it. 
Physical wellness is the ability to maintain the quality of life 
that allows one to get through daily activities without undue 
fatigue or physical stress. Optimal physical health consists 
of building physical strength, flexibility, coordinative ability, 
and endurance while taking safety precautions including 
medical self-care and appropriate use of a medical system, 
as well as protecting oneself from injuries and harm. It 
involves personal responsibility, disease prevention, and 
care for minor illnesses and also knowing when professional 
medical attention is needed. Being physically fit and feeling 
physically well often leads to the psychological benefits of 
enhanced self-esteem, self-control, determination and a 
sense of direction.
Mental Dimension
Mental health refers to the cognitive aspects of health that 
includes thinking, reasoning, remembering, imagining, and 
learning words. Cognitive aspect is related to the processes 
of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning, as 
contrasted with emotional processes. It refers to the ability of 
individuals to use their brain and think, process information 
and act properly. It is our capacity to master new skills, 
embrace humour, and creativity. A sound mental health 
plays an important role in shaping our daily activities. It 
helps individuals in making a complete person. To stimulate 
our mental health, we can engage in various activities such 
as questioning critically, involving ourselves in creative, and 
problem solving activities. Mental health leads to an increase 
in self-esteem, and thereby leads to confidence in social 
situations. A sound mental health depends primarily on 
increased physical activities. Engaging in games and sports 
regularly keeps us mentally active.
How can we have good mental health?
 • Eat healthy food: There are strong links between what 
we eat and how we feel. A ‘healthy diet’ is one that has 
enough essential nutrient, and provides the right amount 
of calories to maintain a healthy weight.
 • Express your feelings: Whenever we are feeling stressed, 
then talking about our feelings helps us to stay in good 
mental health.
Chap-2.indd   16 31-07-2020   15:25:11
2024-25
Understanding Health 17
 • Play games and sports you like: What do you love to 
play? Playing Hockey, Cricket, Chess or any other game 
or doing an activity you enjoy or you’re good at, boosts 
your self-esteem. It helps you to concentrate, sleep, look, 
and feel better. Enjoying through games helps in beating 
stress also.
 • Get enough sleep: Every day our body needs time to 
rest and heal. Sleep for about eight hours is must for all, 
especially for children.
 • Spend time with friends and family: Friends and family 
can make you feel cared for. They can offer different views 
to your problems, and the tension you are feeling. This 
helps in better understanding of the problem or situation 
and thus in solving the problems.
 • Ask for help: None of us is perfect in all aspects. We all 
have problems when things go wrong or get tired at times. 
If you feel that you cannot cope up with the situation, and 
things are getting too much, then do not hesitate to ask 
for help.
 • Do not consume tobacco products or alcohol: 
Tobacco and alcohol result in illness in proportion to the 
consumption. Learn to say ‘No’ to your friends in such 
situations.
Social Dimension
This dimension of health refers to the ability of individuals 
to interact with others in the socio-cultural environment. 
A sound social health helps us in maintaining healthy 
relationships with others. Good social health includes not 
only having positive relationships but behaving appropriately 
and maintaining socially acceptable standards. It focuses 
on creating and maintaining healthy, and supportive 
relationships with family, neighborhood, friends, peers, 
teachers, and community members. Good communication 
skills help in establishing sound relationships. These 
relationships impact a person’s life the most. 
Social health also affects the other dimensions of 
health in many ways. A bad social life, many a times, lead 
individuals to question their purpose in life or feel isolated 
and unwanted. Such feelings can de-motivate individuals 
from physical activity and push them towards depression.
Emotional Dimension
Emotional dimension of health is another important ability 
to cope, adjust and adapt to our environment. People with 
Chap-2.indd   17 31-07-2020   15:25:11
2024-25
Page 4


Understanding Healt H
2
Health is commonly understood as a state of absence of 
disease. This definition of health is focused only on the ability 
of the body to function, that may be disrupted from time to 
time by diseases. However, this definition of health is partial 
and covers only the physical aspect. In this perspective, the 
meaning of health has been changing over a period of time. 
In 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) defined it 
comprehensively as “a state of complete physical, mental 
and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease 
or infirmity.” Health is now referred to as a state of physical, 
mental, intellectual, emotional and social health and well-
being. It is the ability to adapt and manage physical, mental 
and social challenges throughout life. Moreover, it is also 
the ability of a person to handle stress, acquire skills, and 
maintain positive relationships. It is widely acknowledged 
that health is influenced by biological, socio-cultural, 
economic, and environmental forces. Access to basic needs 
like, food, safe drinking water supply, housing, sanitation, 
health services and availability of positive socio-cultural, 
economic, and environmental settings influence the health 
status of a population.
Healt H and its d imensions Health, indicates a sound body and a sound mind. It is 
multidimensional — the dimensions being physical, mental, 
emotional, social, spiritual and environmental. All these 
dimensions are interrelated with one another.
Physical Dimension
Physical dimension refers to the ability of a human body 
to function properly. It involves exercises, healthy habits, 
balanced diet, bone health, and body mass index. We 
Chap-2.indd   15 31-07-2020   15:25:11
2024-25
Health and Physical Education - XI 16
can maintain a healthy body by taking proper nutrition, 
exercising, and avoiding harmful habits such as substance 
abuse. It is better to consume nutritious foods and beverages 
that enhance good health rather than those which impair it. 
Physical wellness is the ability to maintain the quality of life 
that allows one to get through daily activities without undue 
fatigue or physical stress. Optimal physical health consists 
of building physical strength, flexibility, coordinative ability, 
and endurance while taking safety precautions including 
medical self-care and appropriate use of a medical system, 
as well as protecting oneself from injuries and harm. It 
involves personal responsibility, disease prevention, and 
care for minor illnesses and also knowing when professional 
medical attention is needed. Being physically fit and feeling 
physically well often leads to the psychological benefits of 
enhanced self-esteem, self-control, determination and a 
sense of direction.
Mental Dimension
Mental health refers to the cognitive aspects of health that 
includes thinking, reasoning, remembering, imagining, and 
learning words. Cognitive aspect is related to the processes 
of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning, as 
contrasted with emotional processes. It refers to the ability of 
individuals to use their brain and think, process information 
and act properly. It is our capacity to master new skills, 
embrace humour, and creativity. A sound mental health 
plays an important role in shaping our daily activities. It 
helps individuals in making a complete person. To stimulate 
our mental health, we can engage in various activities such 
as questioning critically, involving ourselves in creative, and 
problem solving activities. Mental health leads to an increase 
in self-esteem, and thereby leads to confidence in social 
situations. A sound mental health depends primarily on 
increased physical activities. Engaging in games and sports 
regularly keeps us mentally active.
How can we have good mental health?
 • Eat healthy food: There are strong links between what 
we eat and how we feel. A ‘healthy diet’ is one that has 
enough essential nutrient, and provides the right amount 
of calories to maintain a healthy weight.
 • Express your feelings: Whenever we are feeling stressed, 
then talking about our feelings helps us to stay in good 
mental health.
Chap-2.indd   16 31-07-2020   15:25:11
2024-25
Understanding Health 17
 • Play games and sports you like: What do you love to 
play? Playing Hockey, Cricket, Chess or any other game 
or doing an activity you enjoy or you’re good at, boosts 
your self-esteem. It helps you to concentrate, sleep, look, 
and feel better. Enjoying through games helps in beating 
stress also.
 • Get enough sleep: Every day our body needs time to 
rest and heal. Sleep for about eight hours is must for all, 
especially for children.
 • Spend time with friends and family: Friends and family 
can make you feel cared for. They can offer different views 
to your problems, and the tension you are feeling. This 
helps in better understanding of the problem or situation 
and thus in solving the problems.
 • Ask for help: None of us is perfect in all aspects. We all 
have problems when things go wrong or get tired at times. 
If you feel that you cannot cope up with the situation, and 
things are getting too much, then do not hesitate to ask 
for help.
 • Do not consume tobacco products or alcohol: 
Tobacco and alcohol result in illness in proportion to the 
consumption. Learn to say ‘No’ to your friends in such 
situations.
Social Dimension
This dimension of health refers to the ability of individuals 
to interact with others in the socio-cultural environment. 
A sound social health helps us in maintaining healthy 
relationships with others. Good social health includes not 
only having positive relationships but behaving appropriately 
and maintaining socially acceptable standards. It focuses 
on creating and maintaining healthy, and supportive 
relationships with family, neighborhood, friends, peers, 
teachers, and community members. Good communication 
skills help in establishing sound relationships. These 
relationships impact a person’s life the most. 
Social health also affects the other dimensions of 
health in many ways. A bad social life, many a times, lead 
individuals to question their purpose in life or feel isolated 
and unwanted. Such feelings can de-motivate individuals 
from physical activity and push them towards depression.
Emotional Dimension
Emotional dimension of health is another important ability 
to cope, adjust and adapt to our environment. People with 
Chap-2.indd   17 31-07-2020   15:25:11
2024-25
Health and Physical Education - XI 18
positive mindset tend to be more successful. It is a commonly 
used statement that ‘individuals become the type of person 
like the friends they have’. It means that the friends and 
other people who live together in the immediate environment 
play a very important role in personality development and 
emotional wellness. Some of the techniques which help in 
having stable emotional health include: reading inspirational 
books, setting goals, learning how to deal with setbacks, 
acquiring characteristics such as hope, enthusiasm, and 
positive thinking.
Spiritual Dimension
There are different belief systems that exist all around the 
world. The spiritual beliefs will help the individuals discover 
and pursue their own value and belief and a sense of overall 
purpose in life. Generally, people often find their purpose 
from a belief or faith system while others create their own 
school of worship. A person who has a purpose in life is said 
to be healthier than those who do not have it. 
Spiritual health easily affects emotional and mental health 
as having a purpose in life can help you to apply yourself 
to achieving goals. Having a purpose in life can also help 
people to maintain a proper perspective of life and overcome 
adversity. Often people who are spiritual, meet together 
regularly around their spiritual purpose, which helps to 
improve their social health also.
Environmental Dimension
Environmental health inspires us to live a lifestyle that is 
beneficial for our surroundings. It encourages us to live in 
harmony with the nature by taking action to protect it. Our 
environment consists of external and internal factors. Our 
surroundings such as our habitat, occupation, pollution 
levels at the places where we live and work constitute 
our external environment. A healthier planet leads to 
healthier inhabitants. The internal environment refers to 
an individual’s internal structure in the form of genetic 
composition, which is very crucial in determining the 
health and wellness of human beings. Other environmental 
factors which include our family, friends, neighbourhood, 
community, habitat, all have an impact on our health.
The core principle of environmental wellness is respect for 
nature and all the species living in it. Environmental wellness 
does not mandate you to join a movement or organisation, 
but it does encourage you to practise habits that promote 
a healthy environment. When you become environmentally 
Activity 2.1
 • List actions and activities to 
make ‘greener’ lifestyle, at 
home and at school.
 • Review and find out how 
far you are able to achieve 
the objective of becoming 
‘greener’ .
 • Motivate others to adopt 
life style which promote 
greening the environment.
Chap-2.indd   18 31-07-2020   15:25:11
2024-25
Page 5


Understanding Healt H
2
Health is commonly understood as a state of absence of 
disease. This definition of health is focused only on the ability 
of the body to function, that may be disrupted from time to 
time by diseases. However, this definition of health is partial 
and covers only the physical aspect. In this perspective, the 
meaning of health has been changing over a period of time. 
In 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) defined it 
comprehensively as “a state of complete physical, mental 
and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease 
or infirmity.” Health is now referred to as a state of physical, 
mental, intellectual, emotional and social health and well-
being. It is the ability to adapt and manage physical, mental 
and social challenges throughout life. Moreover, it is also 
the ability of a person to handle stress, acquire skills, and 
maintain positive relationships. It is widely acknowledged 
that health is influenced by biological, socio-cultural, 
economic, and environmental forces. Access to basic needs 
like, food, safe drinking water supply, housing, sanitation, 
health services and availability of positive socio-cultural, 
economic, and environmental settings influence the health 
status of a population.
Healt H and its d imensions Health, indicates a sound body and a sound mind. It is 
multidimensional — the dimensions being physical, mental, 
emotional, social, spiritual and environmental. All these 
dimensions are interrelated with one another.
Physical Dimension
Physical dimension refers to the ability of a human body 
to function properly. It involves exercises, healthy habits, 
balanced diet, bone health, and body mass index. We 
Chap-2.indd   15 31-07-2020   15:25:11
2024-25
Health and Physical Education - XI 16
can maintain a healthy body by taking proper nutrition, 
exercising, and avoiding harmful habits such as substance 
abuse. It is better to consume nutritious foods and beverages 
that enhance good health rather than those which impair it. 
Physical wellness is the ability to maintain the quality of life 
that allows one to get through daily activities without undue 
fatigue or physical stress. Optimal physical health consists 
of building physical strength, flexibility, coordinative ability, 
and endurance while taking safety precautions including 
medical self-care and appropriate use of a medical system, 
as well as protecting oneself from injuries and harm. It 
involves personal responsibility, disease prevention, and 
care for minor illnesses and also knowing when professional 
medical attention is needed. Being physically fit and feeling 
physically well often leads to the psychological benefits of 
enhanced self-esteem, self-control, determination and a 
sense of direction.
Mental Dimension
Mental health refers to the cognitive aspects of health that 
includes thinking, reasoning, remembering, imagining, and 
learning words. Cognitive aspect is related to the processes 
of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning, as 
contrasted with emotional processes. It refers to the ability of 
individuals to use their brain and think, process information 
and act properly. It is our capacity to master new skills, 
embrace humour, and creativity. A sound mental health 
plays an important role in shaping our daily activities. It 
helps individuals in making a complete person. To stimulate 
our mental health, we can engage in various activities such 
as questioning critically, involving ourselves in creative, and 
problem solving activities. Mental health leads to an increase 
in self-esteem, and thereby leads to confidence in social 
situations. A sound mental health depends primarily on 
increased physical activities. Engaging in games and sports 
regularly keeps us mentally active.
How can we have good mental health?
 • Eat healthy food: There are strong links between what 
we eat and how we feel. A ‘healthy diet’ is one that has 
enough essential nutrient, and provides the right amount 
of calories to maintain a healthy weight.
 • Express your feelings: Whenever we are feeling stressed, 
then talking about our feelings helps us to stay in good 
mental health.
Chap-2.indd   16 31-07-2020   15:25:11
2024-25
Understanding Health 17
 • Play games and sports you like: What do you love to 
play? Playing Hockey, Cricket, Chess or any other game 
or doing an activity you enjoy or you’re good at, boosts 
your self-esteem. It helps you to concentrate, sleep, look, 
and feel better. Enjoying through games helps in beating 
stress also.
 • Get enough sleep: Every day our body needs time to 
rest and heal. Sleep for about eight hours is must for all, 
especially for children.
 • Spend time with friends and family: Friends and family 
can make you feel cared for. They can offer different views 
to your problems, and the tension you are feeling. This 
helps in better understanding of the problem or situation 
and thus in solving the problems.
 • Ask for help: None of us is perfect in all aspects. We all 
have problems when things go wrong or get tired at times. 
If you feel that you cannot cope up with the situation, and 
things are getting too much, then do not hesitate to ask 
for help.
 • Do not consume tobacco products or alcohol: 
Tobacco and alcohol result in illness in proportion to the 
consumption. Learn to say ‘No’ to your friends in such 
situations.
Social Dimension
This dimension of health refers to the ability of individuals 
to interact with others in the socio-cultural environment. 
A sound social health helps us in maintaining healthy 
relationships with others. Good social health includes not 
only having positive relationships but behaving appropriately 
and maintaining socially acceptable standards. It focuses 
on creating and maintaining healthy, and supportive 
relationships with family, neighborhood, friends, peers, 
teachers, and community members. Good communication 
skills help in establishing sound relationships. These 
relationships impact a person’s life the most. 
Social health also affects the other dimensions of 
health in many ways. A bad social life, many a times, lead 
individuals to question their purpose in life or feel isolated 
and unwanted. Such feelings can de-motivate individuals 
from physical activity and push them towards depression.
Emotional Dimension
Emotional dimension of health is another important ability 
to cope, adjust and adapt to our environment. People with 
Chap-2.indd   17 31-07-2020   15:25:11
2024-25
Health and Physical Education - XI 18
positive mindset tend to be more successful. It is a commonly 
used statement that ‘individuals become the type of person 
like the friends they have’. It means that the friends and 
other people who live together in the immediate environment 
play a very important role in personality development and 
emotional wellness. Some of the techniques which help in 
having stable emotional health include: reading inspirational 
books, setting goals, learning how to deal with setbacks, 
acquiring characteristics such as hope, enthusiasm, and 
positive thinking.
Spiritual Dimension
There are different belief systems that exist all around the 
world. The spiritual beliefs will help the individuals discover 
and pursue their own value and belief and a sense of overall 
purpose in life. Generally, people often find their purpose 
from a belief or faith system while others create their own 
school of worship. A person who has a purpose in life is said 
to be healthier than those who do not have it. 
Spiritual health easily affects emotional and mental health 
as having a purpose in life can help you to apply yourself 
to achieving goals. Having a purpose in life can also help 
people to maintain a proper perspective of life and overcome 
adversity. Often people who are spiritual, meet together 
regularly around their spiritual purpose, which helps to 
improve their social health also.
Environmental Dimension
Environmental health inspires us to live a lifestyle that is 
beneficial for our surroundings. It encourages us to live in 
harmony with the nature by taking action to protect it. Our 
environment consists of external and internal factors. Our 
surroundings such as our habitat, occupation, pollution 
levels at the places where we live and work constitute 
our external environment. A healthier planet leads to 
healthier inhabitants. The internal environment refers to 
an individual’s internal structure in the form of genetic 
composition, which is very crucial in determining the 
health and wellness of human beings. Other environmental 
factors which include our family, friends, neighbourhood, 
community, habitat, all have an impact on our health.
The core principle of environmental wellness is respect for 
nature and all the species living in it. Environmental wellness 
does not mandate you to join a movement or organisation, 
but it does encourage you to practise habits that promote 
a healthy environment. When you become environmentally 
Activity 2.1
 • List actions and activities to 
make ‘greener’ lifestyle, at 
home and at school.
 • Review and find out how 
far you are able to achieve 
the objective of becoming 
‘greener’ .
 • Motivate others to adopt 
life style which promote 
greening the environment.
Chap-2.indd   18 31-07-2020   15:25:11
2024-25
Understanding Health 19
aware, you will be able to realise how your daily habits affect 
the environment. Improving environmental wellness is simple 
and results in a more balanced lifestyle.
Healt H n eeds of CHildren , a doles Cents and 
d ifferently a bled Health of the children is a critical concern for all societies, 
since it contributes to their overall development. The age 
group category of children includes toddlers, infants, 
and kids in the age-group up to 9 years, adolescents in 
the age-group from 10 to 19 years, and differently abled 
belonging to both the age-groups. Health, nutrition, and 
education are important for the overall development of 
the children, so that they grow as empowered members 
of the society and responsible citizens of the nation. 
The criticality of health concerns of all the groups need  
multi-dimensional response, depending upon their specific 
age, and socio-economic and educational status of the 
parents.
Health Needs of Children
Childhood is the stage during which the foundation of healthy 
life is laid. The physical, mental and social health needs are 
significant for the overall development of the child. The basic 
health needs of the children belonging to pre-natal, post-
natal and childhood stages are related to food and nutrition, 
immunity, positive family and social environment. Children 
in India continue to lose their lives to vaccine preventable 
diseases, such as, measles, which remains the biggest killer. 
The major cause of mortality and morbidity among children 
is a group of disease conditions like, diarrhoea, pneumonia 
and fevers which occur due to lack of immediate treatment by 
the family and non-availability of adequate health services. 
Besides, poor living conditions and lack of response to basic 
needs of children are also responsible factors. Even those 
who survive these hurdles, by the time they reach school, 
they may be underweight, malnourished, and susceptible to 
multiple illnesses.
There is an urgent need to adopt a multi-pronged strategy 
to ensure adequate response to the health needs of children. 
Besides ensuring availability of quality health and nutrition 
services, reducing mortality rates, and improving access to 
education and skill development should be given priority. 
All children must undergo the entire course of vaccination 
and this process must continue. To attain these goals, 
it is essential to make the people aware about the urgent 
Chap-2.indd   19 31-07-2020   15:25:11
2024-25