Nutrition and Fitness
This topic is from the subject area of Health and Disease. I have
chosen it because I'm beginning to feel like an old crock! My joints are
stiffening, my weight is insidiously creeping upwards and I don't have
nearly as much energy as I would like to. Something has got be done!
The most sensible option seems to be a change of lifestyle - a healthier
diet and more exercise on a permanent basis. Although these are very
personal reasons for making this choice, I'm sure many people can benefit
from eating more healthily and increasing their levels of activity.
You are never too old, or too young, to start.
But where do you start? What should you eat? What kind of
exercise and how much of it? There's a huge amount of information
available. I've chosen a selection of web sites which, in my opinion,
give useful information for getting started.
NHS DIRECT -
HEALTHY LIVING
The much publicized NHS Direct web site has a Healthy Living section
which is produced by the Health Education Council. It has basic information
on the benefits of changing to a healthier lifestyle with tips on 
healthy
eating and starting an activity program
eFIT, THE ONLINE HEALTH AND FITNESS NETWORK
eFit is an American on-line Health and Fitness network. It's
very comprehensive, providing personalized fitness programmes, video demonstrations
and contact with other members. Its advisors are "renowned doctors,
nutritionists and trainers".
BRITISH NUTRITION FOUNDATION
The British Nutrition Foundation is a charitable organisation funded
by the government, the food industry and others. It has useful information
on the nutrients required for a healthy balanced diet and which foods contain
them. There is also advice on how best to include them in your diet.
EAT WELL LIVE WELL RESEARCH AND
INFORMATION CENTRE
This is the web site of the Healthy Eating, Healthy Living Program
in the Australian state of Victoria organized by Monash University and
the Australian Nutrition Foundation. There are sections for the general
public, for health professionals and for schools. Although primarily
intended for the local population it's available to anyone.
It's
an attractively presented site with some amusing animated icons, and it's
interactive - you can complete questionnaires to find your Body Mass Index,
Food Variety Score and Physical Activity Rating. There's also general
nutritional information and an e-newsletter.
THE
FITNESS JUMPSITE
This links to the Getting and Staying Active section of the Fitness
Jumpsite. The Fitness Jumpsite is an on-line directory of health,
fitness and nutrition run by two ACE (American Council on Exercise) qualified
Personal Trainers. The page on Starting an Exercise Program has information
on the different types of exercise (aerobic, strength training and flexibility)
and advice on how to start and maintain a regular exercise program.
As it's part of a directory, there's a wealth of links to other related
information.
CARE4FREE HEALTH AND
FITNESS
This is one of the Lifestyle Channels provided by the British ISP Care4Free.
There's a helpful list of exercise "dos and don'ts" and exercise programmes
for different age ranges and types of activity. Their "Internet Personal
Trainer" is a former community recreation officer and you can e-mail queries
to him.
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