Key learning points

1. Health involves physical, mental and social wellbeing.
2. Fitness to meet the demands of the environment
3. Engaging in regular exercise can have physical benefits to health and fitness
4. Engaging in physical activities helps individuals control their emotions better.
5. Social benefits of physical activity include opportunities to socialise and make friends.

Keywords

• Health - a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity

• Fitness - the ability to meet/cope with the demands of the environment

• Physical health - all body systems working well, free from illness and injury and ability to carry out everyday tasks

• Mental health - can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community

• Social health - basic human needs are being met (food, shelter and clothing) and the individual has friendship and support, some value in society, is socially active and has little stress in social circumstances

Common misconception