Culture · Geography · Health · History · Mathematics · Nature · Philosophy · Society · Technologyedit The Health and Fitness PortalThe 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.Read more...edit Selected fitness articleThe notion of physical fitness is used in two close meanings.General fitnessIn 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:FlexibilityCardiovascular enduranceMuscular strength and enduranceTask-oriented fitnessA person may be said to be physically fit to perform a particular task with a reasonable efficiency, for example, fit for military service.Military-styleIn 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.Read more...edit Selected nutrition articleA 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 dietDespite 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, 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. 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.DefinitionA 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.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. Read more...edit Selected biochemistry articleCholesterolCholesterol 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.Read more...edit Reference linksNutrition:Ani's Raw Food Kitchen cookbook website offering free cooking shows, recipes, health and green living tipsPreparing Foods & Planning Menus Using Dietary GuidelinesFRUIT - Something Good That's Not Illegal, Immoral or FatteningA Simple Guide To Complex CarbohydratesPlanning A Diet For A Healthy HeartFood and Drug InteractionsDiet, Nutrition & Cancer Prevention: The Good NewsEating For LifeMassage Therapy Information and DirectoryExercise and fitness:Fitness fundamentalsWalking for Exercise and PleasureIndices of health-related articles on the internet:Hopkins Technology Health Articles IndexHealth and Wellness ArticlesFindingHealthOnline Health PortalsHealthcare providers directoryedit Health and fitness newsWikinews health portalFebruary 3: Drug-resistant flu rising, says WHOFebruary 1: International manhunt for alleged kidney harvesterJanuary 31: Getting the exclusive lowdown on The LowdownJanuary 29: Indonesia reports 100th human death from bird fluOngoing health newsAvian influenzaHealth News Collectionedit Quotes“Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.”“Human life needs superhuman health.”"I used to eat a lot of natural foods until I learned that most people die of natural causes.""An apple a day keeps the doctor away.""No pain, no gain.""Do not spend health to gain money, and then, do not spend money to regain health"edit Selected biographyLinus Carl Pauling (February 28, 1901 – August 19, 1994) was an American quantum chemist and biochemist, widely regarded as the premier chemist of the twentieth century. Pauling was a pioneer