The term "health and wellness" refers to the overall state of being free from illness or injury, as well as the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic well-being. This includes not only physical health but also mental, emotional, and social well-being. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle that promotes both physical and psychological fitness.
The word "health" comes from the Old English "hælu," meaning "wholeness, a state of being sound or well." The term "wellness" combines "well," meaning in good health, with the suffix "-ness," indicating a state of being. The modern concept of wellness emerged in the 20th century, emphasizing an integrated approach to health.