What is the Difference Between Health and Wellness?

The main difference between health and wellness lies in the fact that health refers to a state of being free from disease or infirmity, while wellness is an active process through which people become aware of and make choices toward a more successful existence. In other words, health is a state of physical, mental, and social well-being, whereas wellness is the act of living a healthy lifestyle and striving for balance in all aspects of life.

Key differences between health and wellness include:

Origin: Health is a state defined by the World Health Organization as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity". Wellness, on the other hand, is a lifestyle that focuses on achieving well-being in all areas of life, including physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and occupational aspects.
Scope: Health primarily focuses on diseases, genetics, and illness, while wellness encompasses a broader range of factors, including a person's physical, social, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, environmental, and occupational well-being.
Choice: Wellness is always a matter of choice, as it involves making decisions and practicing behaviors based on sound health knowledge to achieve optimal well-being. Health, however, is not always a choice, as it can be influenced by factors such as genetics, accidents, or other unforeseen circumstances.

In summary, health is a state of being free from disease, while wellness is an active process of living a healthy lifestyle and striving for balance in all aspects of life. Understanding the difference between health and wellness can help individuals make informed choices to improve their overall well-being.