We often hear the saying, “Health is wealth“. It is a short sentence, but it carries a very deep meaning. In our daily lives, most people focus on earning money, building careers, and achieving success. While these goals are important, we sometimes forget that without good health, none of these things can truly be enjoyed. A person may have everything, but if they are not healthy, life becomes difficult. That is why good health is considered the real wealth of life.
Every year on 7 April, people around the world observe World Health Day. This day is not only about hospitals, medicines, or diseases. Its main purpose is to remind everyone how important it is to take care of their health before problems begin. Each year, the day is marked with a special theme that focuses on a major health issue affecting people globally.
This year’s theme is “Together for Health: Stand with Science.” The message behind this theme is very clear. Health is not the responsibility of one person or one institution alone. Governments, doctors, scientists, communities, and ordinary individuals must work together to improve the health of society.
Actually, for most of us, it is only when we get sick that we learn to appreciate good health. As long as everything goes well and our body stays healthy, nothing much crosses our minds about this. However, with sickness around, performing any activity may prove extremely tiring. Taking a
walk, having a meal, and working become challenging. During illness, many people also turn towards faith and prayer. We ask Allah (SWT) for strength and recovery, hoping for better days. In Kashmir, there is a well-known saying: “Sehat Aasii, Taar Aasii, Teli Aasii Zoon.” In simple words, it means that when a person has health and stability, life moves smoothly. Without health, everything else loses its value.
But understanding the importance of health is not enough. The real challenge is maintaining it in our daily lives.
An easy routine practice that the elders continue to encourage others to follow is waking up early in the morning. There is always an invigorating feeling that comes with early mornings, such as fresh air, silence, and serenity in the mind. Being up at early hours gives one enough time to pray, meditate, or even go for a short walk. This way, some physical exercises will help to stay active all day.
Food also plays a very important role in our health. What we eat daily directly affects our bodies. A balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, grains, and enough water helps the body function properly. Unfortunately, modern lifestyles have changed eating habits for many people. Fast food and packaged snacks have become common because they are quick and easily available.
In our local markets, for example, many people enjoy Aloo Monji, a popular fried potato snack. It is delicious and loved by people of all ages. However, eating such fried foods regularly may not be good for health. Foods that contain too much oil and salt can slowly affect the body over time. Enjoying them occasionally is fine, but making them a daily habit can lead to health problems.
Yet another healthy concept that is slowly catching up is kitchen gardening. One need not have large areas of land to grow vegetables and herbs. In addition to producing healthy foods, gardening is a great way to help individuals stay in touch with Mother Nature. This can particularly prove helpful to the youth because most of them have never witnessed the entire process of cultivation firsthand.
At the same time, one cannot deny the extent to which our way of life has changed over the past few years. It has brought us some benefits while presenting new difficulties. People now tend to spend more hours on screens.
Leisure and sports are gradually being replaced by virtual entertainment, thus causing visible consequences for people’s health. Weight gain, lack of physical condition, and sleep disorders are becoming frequent issues nowadays. Moreover, spending an excessive amount of time on the screen may have a negative impact on one’s vision and ability to focus.
For this reason, health experts often encourage people to include some form of physical activity in their daily routine. It does not always have to be intense exercise. Even simple activities such as walking, cycling, or playing outdoor games can make a big difference.
However, health is not only about the body. Mental health is equally important. In today’s fast-moving world, stress, loneliness, and emotional pressure are becoming more common, especially among young people. One reason for this could be the growing distance between family members and elders.
In earlier times, families used to spend more time together. People shared stories, experiences, and advice. Young members of the family often spoke openly about their worries, and elders guided them with patience. Today, however, many of these conversations have been replaced by time spent on phones or social media.
The younger generation, often called Gen Z, is growing up in a world where communication mostly happens online. Social media helps people stay connected with others across the world, which can be positive in many ways. But sometimes these online connections cannot replace real-life relationships. When people spend too much time online and too little time with family or friends, feelings of loneliness can increase.
That is why building genuine relationships is important for emotional well-being. Spending time with family members, talking with friends, and sharing everyday experiences can reduce stress and create a feeling of belonging. Even small moments can make a big difference—like sitting together for tea, going for a walk, or listening to the stories and advice of elders.
Days such as World Health Day show that good health goes beyond medication and hospitals. It is highly dependent on what decisions people make daily. The lifestyle and diets that people follow, physical activities, and relations affect one’s health status.
The encouraging thing about health is that caring for oneself does not necessarily need much effort at all. Making small adjustments in lifestyles will have an effect on the lives of individuals. Getting enough rest at night, having balanced diets, engaging in physical activities, and strong relations within families contribute significantly to improving individuals’ physical and mental states.
Once people take initiatives towards their own good health, they help improve the overall health status not only of themselves but also of their families and societies.
In the end, a healthy society is built through awareness, responsibility, and cooperation. If we learn to value and protect our health today, we can create a better and stronger future for the generations that will follow.
The Author is a Social Educator from District Baramulla
