Keeping animals healthy is an important part of farmers’ livelihoods. Having the tools, like modern vaccines, antibiotics and treatments, and access to veterinarians is essential to keep livestock healthy.
This is because healthy animals are the basis for vibrant and growing communities. They also contribute to the economy. Therefore, it is not surprising that farmers prioritize the minimization of health issues in their welfare-related decisions.
Physical Health
Generally speaking, physical health is the ability to live and move freely in your body. It is a dimension of total well-being and can be maintained by an active lifestyle, healthy diet and good healthcare service.
The term ‘health’ has become increasingly important in recent years because of the increasing number of diseases and conditions that can impact on a person’s life, requiring medical care, and the increase in ageing populations. Having good physical health reduces your risk of developing many diseases and conditions, including heart disease, stroke and some cancers.
The relationship between animals and human health is often complex, with medical advances that affect one species also having an effect on the other. Likewise, changes in the environment can have an effect on all living things. The concept of ‘One Health’ recognises this and aims to foster collaboration and communication between animal and human health services. Ultimately, this can lead to improved public and animal health that is better than that which both services could achieve independently.
Mental Health
Mental health is an important part of animal health. It is an integral part of an animal’s sentience and includes the ability to sense what is going on around them, learn from experience, assess risks and make decisions.
It is also the ability to experience positive and negative emotions, including pleasure and pain. It is also the ability to feel safe and secure and to be able to cope with change.
There are many types of mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, psychosis (a severe mood disorder), mania and substance abuse. They can interfere with a person’s life, make it difficult to function and cause distress.
Social Health
Social health, like physical and mental health, is a core component of a healthy life. The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
Increasing your social connections can have a positive impact on your overall health, including your mood and immunity. Studies have shown that strong relationships are linked to lower rates of anxiety and depression, greater self-esteem, more empathy, a stronger immune system and longer lifespans.
However, it’s important to recognize that a healthy social life has special components in every culture and social context. To be socially healthy, a person should have a clear understanding of the values and norms of their society. They should also be able to perform their roles in society without any bias or prejudice.
Emotional Health
Emotional health refers to the ability to handle positive and negative emotions. It also includes awareness of your emotions, coping mechanisms and knowing when to seek help from a mental health professional.
As a result, emotional health is closely linked to overall well-being. When your emotions are balanced, you’ll be able to handle life’s challenges, build strong relationships and recover from setbacks.
Research has shown that pet animals help reduce feelings of anxiety, stress and depression. This is because pets aren’t judged by their owners and their unconditional love stimulates the brain to release dopamine, which is a chemical involved in sensing pleasure.
This connection between animal and human health is something that NIH researchers are investigating in large-scale surveys. They hope to learn more about the subjective quality of animals’ relationships with their people, which may be a key factor in their health benefits.