---
title: What are the Factors of General Health?
url: "https://arizonacollege.edu/blog/what-are-the-factors-of-general-health/"
type: post
date_published: 2014-10-01
date_modified: 2025-12-26
schema:
  @type: Article
language: en-US
word_count: 670
reading_time: 4 min
canonical: "https://arizonacollege.edu/blog/what-are-the-factors-of-general-health/"
categories:
  - "Health & Wellness"
topic:
  - Healthcare
---

# What are the Factors of General Health?

Many of us spend countless hours every week working out at the gym, doing yoga
or recreational activities, and eating specific diets to achieve or maintain
good general health. It is very likely, that most of us just continue with these
rituals we have become accustomed to, knowing the result leave us feeling better
overall.

We all know that food, water and shelter are required to meet the basic
necessities for life. After these basic needs are met, we are constantly
attempting to obtain a higher level of overall general health. In addition to
diet and exercise, there are a few factors that contribute to general health
that may get overlooked. Let’s dig deeper into all contributing factors of
overall general health:

- **Diet/Nutrition**-a proper, well balanced diet that consists of
  carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Within those groups you can also include
  vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. Water is also considered part of this
  category as our bodies are made up of approximately 50-75% of water.
- **Exercise**-burns excess calories, conditions muscles and vital organs such
  as the heart and lungs, regulates metabolism and bodily processes, helps
  combat and prevent diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, increases
  stamina and blood flow, and increases natural chemicals in the brain that
  promote a better mood.
- **Rest**-a good night’s rest definitely makes you feel better. When deep sleep
  is reached, the health benefits of regular sleep can include improved memory,
  reduced inflammation (inflammation can contribute to heart disease, arthritis
  and diabetes), sharpened attention, and reduced stress.
- **Spirituality/Religion**– Spirituality or a practice of organized religion
  can improve one’s well-being by providing purpose, a general guideline of
  positive living and a greater sense of meaning amongst life’s challenges.
- **Avoiding Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs**-these items are classified as
  Psychoactive Drugs, which means that they are known to alter the mind. They
  are highly addictive and can damage multiple body systems, as well as
  potentially contribute to impaired judgment and accidents. While some doctors
  recommend an occasional glass of red wine for the antioxidant properties which
  have been shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, remembering that consumption
  in moderation is still the key.
- **Socialization**-humans are social beings and interacting with others is very
  important for general health. Humans have always assembled in groups and
  tribes while sharing/organizing responsibilities for survival. Studies have
  often shown a strong correlation between physical and mental health problems
  of those humans who are not actively social with others.

General health contains a broad spectrum of both physical and emotional
contributing factors. Striking a balance of all factors is required for the
achievement of optimal health and well-being.  For example, if one focuses too
much attention to exercise and does not replenish the body with nutrition and
rest, the body cannot rebuild itself and will most likely result in lowered
immunity or physical injury.  Developing a harmonious balance is essential for
general health.

Physical health can be improved by assessing your current health status with a
visit to your medical health care provider (for a general physical), dentist
(for your oral health examination) and scheduling a therapeutic massage (for
stress reduction). Boosting your emotional health can include seeking spiritual
meaning, or adding more socialization in your life.  Participating in a hobby or
recreational activity, joining a small group at a church, or volunteering can
easily assist on meeting new people and filling a socialization void.  Lastly,
prioritizing more rest will recharge you physically and mentally.

Do you have the desire to assist others with improving their general health? Are
you interested in the medical field?  Careers in Medical Assisting, Dental
Assisting and Massage Therapy can be very rewarding by working with physicians
and patients on a daily basis.
[Contact Arizona College](https://www.arizonacollege.edu/request-information/)
today to learn more about our
[Allied Health diploma and degree programs](https://www.arizonacollege.edu/all-programs/)
offered at our Glendale and Mesa campuses.

---

_Information in this blog post is accurate as of October 1, 2014._

**Categories:** Health & Wellness