The Health and Fitness Portal

The most widely accepted definition of good health is that of the World Health
Organization Constitution. It states that "health is a state of complete physical, mental
and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity" (World Health
Organization, 1946). In more recent years, this statement has been amplified to include
the ability to lead a "socially and economically productive life". The WHO definition is
not without criticism, mainly that it is too broad. Some argue that health cannot be
defined as a state at all, but must be seen as a process of continuous adjustment to the
changing demands of living and of the changing meanings we give to life. It is a dynamic
concept. the WHO definition is therefore considered by many as an idealistic goal rather
than a realistic proposition. Using the WHO definition, 70-95% of people are classified as
unhealthy. In spite of the above limitations, the concept of health as defined by WHO is
broad and positive in its implications. It sets out a high standard for positive health. It
represents the overall goal that nations should strive to reach.
The most solid aspects of wellness that fit firmly in the realm of medicine are the
environmental health, nutrition, disease prevention, and public health matters that can be
investigated and assist in measuring well-being.

Selected fitness article

Physical fitness is an attribute required for service in virtually all militaries.
The notion of physical fitness is used in two close meanings.

General fitness
In its most general meaning, physical fitness is a general state of good physical health. A
physically handicapped person's body may be physically fit (healthy), though its ability is
likely to be less than optimum.

Physical fitness is usually a result of regular physical activity and proper nutrition.
Physical fitness is often divided into three types:

Flexibility

Cardiovascular endurance

Muscular strength and endurance

The government Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans say to aim for at least 2
hours and 30 minutes of aerobic activity that requires moderate effort each week.

Task-oriented fitness
A person may be said to be physically fit to perform a particular task with a reasonable
efficiency, for example, fit for military service.

Military-style
In recent years, Military-style fitness training programs have become increasingly
popular among civilians. Courses are available all over the US and Europe.
They are usually taught by ex-military personnel. Very often the instructors held highly
regarded positions within various military organizations. Often the instructors were
formerly Drill instructors, Special Forces Operatives or held otherwise distinguished
positions.
These courses always have some common elements. They often focus on military style
calisthenics and group runs. The courses are often held very early in the morning and will
meet in almost any weather. Students can expect push-ups, sit-ups, pullups, and jumping
jacks, as well as more obscure drills such as flutter kicks, sun worshippers and flares.
Almost invariably a workout will include short runs while longer runs are more
scheduled. Special forces are renowned for their level of fitness and intensity of their
workouts.

Selected nutrition article

A healthy diet is a diet which contains a balanced amount of nutrients, varied food, and
minimal amounts of sugar, fat, and salt. Healthy eating is identical to a healthy diet, in
that it relates to the practice of food intake for healthy living. Governments often use this
term to refer to the ideal diet which the average person requires to remain healthy.

Healthy diet
Despite popular belief, a reliance on a single food which composes the majority of a diet
is indicative of poor eating habits. An individual on such a diet may be prone to
deficiency and most certainly will not be fulfilling the Recommended Nutrient Intake.
While plants, vegetables, and fruits are known to help reduce the incidence of chronic
disease[1], the benefits on health posed by plant-based foods, as well as the percentage on
which a diet needs to be plant-based in order to have health benefits, is unknown.
Nevertheless, plant-based food diets in society and between nutritionist circles are linked
to health and longevity, as well as contributing to lowering cholesterol, weight loss, and,
in some cases, stress reduction. [2]
Although a number of preconceptions of a healthy diet center around plant-based foods,
the majority of assumptions about foods which are usually thought of as "bad" foods are
usually correct, apart from the assumption that there are "bad" foods; many people
associate dishes such as Full English cooked Breakfast and Bacon Sandwiches as foods
which if eaten regularly can contribute to cholesterol, fat, and heart problems.

Definition
A healthy diet is usually defined as a diet in which nutrient intake is maintained, and
cholesterol, salt, sugar, and fat are reduced. The idea of a healthy diet is something used
by a government to ensure that people are as well "protected" against common illnesses
and conditions which stem from poor diet. This could include headaches, lessened sexual
drive, heart disease, alcohol poisoning, or obesity.[3]
3

The definition of a healthy diet is sometimes also thought of as a diet which will combat
or prevent illness. Although the majority of people would support this definition, few
know why other than because "bad" foods are not consumed. People with healthy diets
are less likely to succumb to common minor illnesses, such as lesser forms of Influenza,
mainly because consumption of a healthy diet would provide ample nutrients and energy
for the body, so as to help stave off such illnesses. Similarly, the healthy diet can also be
used this way to aid the body during illness. The myth of "feed a cold, starve a fever" is a
common misconception among the public, particularly in the United Kingdom. This is a
myth in every sense of the word because providing the body with nutrients during illness
is actually beneficial - nutrient and energy stores would be replenished, allowing for more
energy to be used by the body to combat illness.
The importance at present of a Healthy diet is something which is actually receiving
many promotions throughout several countries due to obesity epidemics. Governments,
particularly in the United Kingdom, through the advice of the Department of Health,
introduced a public health white paper to parliament, CM 6374, which aimed to deal with
the issues presented by particularly imported culture - cigarettes, alcohol and fast food all
being produced in their majority in the United States, or by US-based companies. [4]

Selected biochemistry article

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a steroid, a lipid, and an alcohol, found in the cell membranes of all body
tissues, and transported in the blood plasma of all animals. Most cholesterol is not dietary
in origin, it is synthesized internally. Cholesterol is present in higher concentrations in
tissues which either produce more or have more densely-packed membranes, for
example, the liver, spinal cord, brain and atheroma. Cholesterol plays a central role in

many biochemical processes, but is best known for the association of cardiovascular
disease with various lipoprotein cholesterol transport patterns in the blood.
The name originates from the Greek chole- (bile) and stereos (solid), as researchers first
identified cholesterol (C27H45OH) in solid form in gallstones.