I am looking for a summary of general aspects of physical well being.
(aprox. 800 words)

I believe physical well-being is one of those elusive things that a
person is more aware of when it is missing. It is difficult to express
what it means to feel well physically; somehow it's much easier to
describe pain and infirmity.

Generally speaking, I would say that most of us have a feeling of
physical well-being when these conditions exist:

1. We are free of pain.

2. Our basic needs for food, water, sleep and shelter are met.

3. We have enough energy and stamina to accomplish our daily tasks 
   and fulfill our recreational desires.

4. Our brains can maintain sufficient alertness and focus to enable 
   our mental processes to function well.

5. We are able to achieve satisfying sexual experiences, within our 
   own frame of reference.

Of course, the mind and the body are intertwined in such a way that
none of the above is without a mental and/or emotional aspect. The
very fact of "feeling" anything, whether it be well-being or
discomfort, implies a certain state of consciousness. One does not
have a feeling of well-being while under general anesthesia, since the
very concept of "well-being" demands a minimum level of awareness.

=====================================================================
                     --= FREEDOM FROM PAIN =--
=====================================================================

By "freedom from pain," I do not, of course, mean the total absence of
the nervous system's ability to respond to certain kinds of emergency
situations which demand attention. Obviously, any feeling of physical
well-being that eliminated any and all pain would be hazardous; we
would not know when to pull our hand back from a hot stove, and we
would continue walking on a broken leg to the point of irrecoverable
damage. Perhaps "freedom from needless pain" would be a better
decription. Pain which has no obvious purpose, particularly when it is
chronic, makes a sense of well-being difficult, if not impossible, for
many people. Mental, emotional, and spiritual processes of adaptation
and acceptance of intractable pain can provide a different kind of
"freedom." If an end to pain is not in sight, it may be possible to
endure one's pain with resolve and patience, thereby not adding to
one's burden by transforming physical pain into mental torment.

=====================================================================
                 --= FOOD, WATER, SLEEP, SHELTER =--
=====================================================================

In some ways the human body is very much like a piece of machinery,
such as an automobile: it cannot run at peak capacity without adequate
fuel and coolant, nor can it operate at top speed indefinitely without
some "downtime." If not "garaged" and protected from the elements, it
can suffer from extremes of climate which hamper its ability to
perform.

=====================================================================
                     --= ENERGY AND STAMINA =--
=====================================================================

This is, I believe, the area in which there is the greatest
variability of needs; each person's perception of his or her
requirement for physical fitness and strength is different, but we all
have a level below which dissatisfaction sets in. An individual who
enjoys a sedentary life may be able to maintain a feeling of physical
well-being even though he or she cannot walk across the room
unassisted; another, more active individual may be ill at ease if the
capability of running a marathon is impaired. The operative condition
for well-being in this area seems to have much more to do with one's
habits and expectations than with one's actual bodily status. As
Shakespeare's Hamlet says, "O God, I could be bounded in a nutshell
and count myself a king of infinite space, were it not that I have bad
dreams." It is not a person's possession of or lack of bodily power
and endurance that determines a state of well-being; it is a matter of
one's ability to do the things that are of greatest personal
importance.

=====================================================================
             --= ABILITY TO MAINTAIN MENTAL FUNCTIONS =--
=====================================================================

If the bodily component of mentation, the brain, is impaired in
physical or chemical ways, the mind lacks a sound framework for
conducting its usual activities of thought, perception, and action. To
use the metaphor of machinery, it is not enought to have excellent
software if one's hardware is impaired; the best and most efficient
computer program in the world is only as good as the equipment upon
which it is running.

=====================================================================
              --= CAPABILITY OF EXPRESSING SEXUALITY =--
=====================================================================

It has been said that a human's main sexual organ is the brain.
However, most of us have wants and desires which cannot be thoroughly
satisfied by thought alone. If our bodies refuse to respond to our
sexual needs (whatever they may be,) it is not easy to maintain a
sense of physical well-being (much less mental and emotional
well-being.) As is the case with energy and stamina, as discussed
above, this is a highly variable thing. Some people report that they
have few or no sexual urges, and such individuals are obviously less
likely to feel dissatisfied if their bodies should lose the ability to
experience arousal and orgasm. Others may place such a high value upon
their sexuality (and upon expressing it in certain ways) that they are
incapable of well-being unless an acceptable level of "performance" is
delivered by their bodies.

=====================================================================
=====================================================================

(I've run slightly over 800 words; according to Microsoft Word, the
essay above contains 822 words.)

As always, I will gladly offer further assistance as needed. Please
request clarification if you would like me to focus on a certain
aspect of physical well-being.

Best wishes,
pinkfreud

---

Request for Answer Clarification by qpet-ga on 16 May 2003 10:33 PDT

Hi pinkfreud, 
Sorry I didn't state the question any clearer. I am interested if
there are any benchmarks for physical health and well being. The
summery of aspects is good but I need more of a framework. A drug
addict can experience well being while under the influence for
instance. The aspects I am looking for entail more specific
requirements to have a lasting sense of physical well being. Sleep
food.... for instance are required. Being 20 pounds or more overweight
would impair well being. I hope this gives you an idea what I am
after.
Thanks,
qpet

---

Request for Answer Clarification by qpet-ga on 16 May 2003 10:34 PDT

Pinkfreud, FYI I will post questions in regard to mental, emotional
and spiritual well being seperately.
qpet

---

Clarification of Answer by pinkfreud-ga on 16 May 2003 11:24 PDT

I am sorry to have misunderstood your question.

I've not been able to find specific references to the requirements of
physical well-being as such. There are many online guidelines for
physical fitness, such as this one:

http://www.ccsb.ca/home/pastoralhealth/physicallyfittool.htm

Would a collection of links similar to the one above meet your needs?

---

Request for Answer Clarification by qpet-ga on 16 May 2003 12:39 PDT

Yes, Pinkfreud, a number of links like that with a short summation of
the main points will do.Thanks,
qpet

---

Clarification of Answer by pinkfreud-ga on 16 May 2003 14:10 PDT

Here is a summary of an online questionnaire about physical fitness
which was prepared by the Canadian Society of Southern Baptists:

You may consider yourself physically fit if:

•  You have had a thorough physical examination within the last year.

•  You spend at least 30 minutes doing aerobic exercise 3 times a week
or more (jogging, brisk walking, riding a bicycle, swimming, or other
activity that raises the heart rate.)

•  You participate in a weight-resistance physical activity at least
twice a week (lifting weights, gardening, chopping wood, or other
activity that requires muscular exertion.)

•  You eat a healthy, well-balanced diet with a minimal amount of
"junk food" such as soda pop, potato chips, and sugary snacks.

•  You are within 15% of your ideal body weight.

•  You get 6 to 8 hours of restful sleep each night without relying
upon medicinal sleep aids.

•  You take a day of rest each week, and have been on a holiday that
lasted for 2 weeks or more during the past year.

•  Whenever possible, you walk or take the stairs rather than ride or
use the elevator.

•  You regularly participate in outdoor activities (walking, hiking,
outdoor recreational activities.)

Canadian Convention of Southern Baptists: Are You Physically Fit?
http://www.ccsb.ca/home/pastoralhealth/physicallyfittool.htm

==============================================

Here is a summary adapted from an article which discusses the physical
well-being of children. Below I have summarized the points which I
believe are applicable to persons of all ages:

• Physical Fitness: The major elements of physical fitness are
stamina, energy, strength, flexibility, and percentage of body fat.
Fitness is affected by nutrition, illness, and lifestyle factors such
as sleeping patterns and level and types of physical activity.

• Body Physiology: An essential aspect of health and well-being is the
optimal functioning of the body and its organ systems: a healthy
respiratory system supplies oxygen to and removes carbon dioxide from
the blood in an efficient manner; a healthy urinary system extracts
chemical wastes and excess water from the blood; and a healthy
musculoskeletal system supports and protects the internal organs and
enables voluntary and involuntary movements of the body. These and the
other organs and organ systems may function at a less than optimal
level if affected by injuries, toxic substances, infections,
degeneration, structural defects, diseases, malnutrition, or certain
kinds of medications.

• Physical Skills: Physical skills can be measured by four types of
motor skills: gross, fine, sensorimotor, and oral. Gross motor skills
involve movements of the entire body or large portions of the body,
including the abilities to walk, run, jump, and climb.  Fine Motor
Skills require precision and manual dexterity. Sensorimotor Skills
utilize vision, hearing, touch, and kinesthesis in coordination with
fine and gross motor coordination. Coordinated movement requires the
ability to use sensory information to guide motions. Eye-hand
coordination, for instance, is necessary in able to be able to write
or draw. Oral motor skills being with the ability to suck (the only
well-developed motor skill with which a child is born) and progress to
skills such as the coordination of breathing with movements of the
vocal cords, tongue, lips, jaw, and palate, which allow a person to
speak intelligibly.

National Educational Goals Panel: Reconsidering Children's Early
Development and Learning
http://www.negp.gov/Reports/child-ea.htm

==============================================

Below is a summary of an article entitled "Physical Fitness" from the
Microsoft Encarta online encyclopedia:

Physical Fitness is the ability of the human body to function with
vigor and alertness, without undue fatigue, and with ample energy to
engage in leisure activities, and to meet physical stresses. Muscular
strength and endurance, cardiorespiratory integrity, and general
alertness are the overt signs of physical fitness.

Physical fitness may be measured by periodic tests measuring strength,
endurance, agility, coordination, and flexibility. Stress testing,
which ascertains the body's accommodation to powerful, sustained
physical stimuli, is also used to analyze fitness.

The level of physical fitness can be influenced by regular, systematic
exercise. Generally, longer periods of exercise can reduce the risk of
heart disease. Proper nutrition is important to physical fitness,
since energy expenditure depends on nutrition. Individuals who are
overweight or underweight typically have below-average fitness levels.

In the United States, the President's Council on Physical Fitness and
Sports, established in 1956, is the national fitness advocate. In
addition, the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education,
Recreation and Dance sponsors programs, publications, and tests to
help people better understand their fitness needs.

The attainment and maintenance of physical fitness, coupled with
nutritious diet and reasonable rest patterns, require dedication to a
long-term, systematic investment in an active life.

Microsoft Encarta: Physical Fitness
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpages/RefArticle.aspx?refid=761561844

==============================================

Here is a summary of an article on "Fitness Fundamentals," as
developed by the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports:

Physical fitness is the ability to perform daily tasks vigorously and
alertly, with energy left over for enjoying leisure-time activities
and meeting emergency demands. It is the ability to endure, to bear
up, to withstand stress, to carry on, and is a foundation for good
health and well-being.

Physical fitness involves the performance of the heart, the lungs, and
the muscles. These are the basic components of physical fitness:

•  Cardiorespiratory Endurance is the ability to deliver oxygen and
nutrients to tissues, and to remove wastes.

•  Muscular Strength is the ability of a muscle to exert force for a
brief period of time.

•  Muscular Endurance is the ability of a muscle, or a group of
muscles, to sustain repeated contractions or to continue applying
force against a fixed object.

•  Flexibility is the ability to move joints and use muscles through
their full range of motion.

•  Body Composition refers to the makeup of the body in terms of lean
mass (muscle, bone, vital tissue and organs) and fat mass. An optimal
ratio of fat to lean mass is an indication of fitness.

Hopkins Technology: Fitness Fundamentals
http://www.hoptechno.com/book11.htm

==============================================

Here are some brief quotes on physical fitness that may be helpful:

"The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)... defines physical
fitness as cardiorespiratory endurance, body composition, muscular
strength and endurance, and flexibility."

Ohio Health: How to Measure Exercise Intensity
http://www.ohiohealth.com/healthreference/reference/045751A6-C795-4BE8-ADCD591E1DF5ABBA.htm?category=5314

"Ability of the human body to function with vigor and alertness,
without undue fatigue, and with ample energy to engage in leisure
activities, and to meet physical stresses. Muscular strength and
endurance, cardiorespiratory integrity, and general alertness are the
overt signs of physical fitness.

Physical fitness is usually measured in relation to functional
expectations-that is, typically, by periodic tests measuring strength,
endurance, agility, coordination, and flexibility. In addition, stress
testing, which ascertains the body's accommodation to powerful,
sustained physical stimuli, is used to analyze fitness. If individuals
are able to accommodate to the stressors, they are assumed to be fit."

Panbike: Physical Fitness
http://www.navis.gr/panbike/physical.htm

Thank you, pinkfreud, this will do just fine!