Health and Fitness
What is Health and Fitness
According to the WHO, health may be defined as a state of complete mental, physical and social well-being; not merely the absence of illness or infirmity.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), physical fitness is defined as ‘the ability to carry out daily tasks with vigor and alertness, without undue fatigue, and with ample energy to enjoy leisure-time pursuits and respond to emergencies.
Why is health and fitness so important?
As in the rest of the Caribbean, the prevalence rate of obesity in Trinidad and Tobago has been increasing rapidly. Just over fifty-five per cent (55.7%) of the population ages 15-64 years were overweight or obese. This coupled with the fact that 14% of the T&T population has diabetes shows the dire need for health and fitness within the community. Physical activity promotes strong muscles and bones. It improves respiratory, cardiovascular health, and overall health. Staying active can also help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and reduce your risk for some cancers.
Importance of nutrition in health
Good nutrition is an important part of leading a healthy lifestyle. Combined with physical activity, your diet can help you to reach and maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of chronic diseases (like heart disease and cancer), and promote your overall health. When eating healthy it is important to encompass the 5 food groups within your meals.