This course aims to teach learners how to prioritize health by focusing on prevention rather than cure. It covers the basics of how the human body functions, the importance of maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and ensuring sufficient sleep. The course advocates for simple and practical approaches to staying healthy, such as incorporating movement into daily activities and making mindful food choices. The teaching method includes discussions on macronutrients, micronutrients, and tracking food intake, as well as tips on improving sleep quality and avoiding pollutants. This course is designed for individuals interested in adopting a healthier lifestyle, particularly those who prefer a more relaxed and effortless approach to well-being.
Health for Geeks - Feel Better - Save Money - Live Longer by Being Lazy
EuroPython Conference via YouTube
Overview
Syllabus
Intro
What is health The most important thing of all. Emphasis on cure rather than prevention. The human body is not a machine
How it works Matter flows in and out of our body all the time: we absorb air, pollutants and food .we throw out what we do not need Energy gets in with food and heat, and we spend it. Then we need rest.
Matter/energy budget Food: biological material for body's ongoing renewal Also energy for metabolism and activity. Balance needed between energy input and output: • more out than in: body consumption . more in than out: excess stored as fat
Being fit Not too much excess fat. Regular activity, muscles in working order. Both things reduce risk of disease.
My physical activity No gym. No running. No outdoors.
Ok, my physical activity Elliptical trainer Swimming Nintendo Wii Fit Plus
Moving while working Stokke rocking chair Standup work. Kettler side stepper.
Food Macronutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, fats. Micronutrients: vitamins, minerals. Water, fiber, antioxidants.
My diet I avoid cooking whenever I can. Lots of fruits and raw vegetables. Little refined starches. "Magic powder": flax seed, turmeric, cumin, ginger, coriander, black pepper, red pepper, garlic.
Proteins No meat: omega3 vs. omega6 fatty acids, antibiotics and hormones. Fish: omega3, small species that accumulate less mercury. Eggs, dairy: yogurt vs. kefir. Legume: peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas. Tofu, seitan, nuts, chocolate.
Tracking eaten food (2) A second one lists hundreds of foods, with the main constituents' values. A third one tracks the body weight (hence the shown graph). Done with Gnumeric, which can use Python for scripting. :-
Sleep You need enough, regular sleep. Easier in dark places, at night. Melatonine, circadian rhythms.
Air and pollution Do not smoke (too much). Do not live in a polluted place. Be careful with substances you put on your body.
Fitness for Geeks (2) Additional draw on Thursday afternoon. Prizes will include this and other O'Reilly books, and a fitness gadget. Go to the O'Reilly desk, give Josette a card with your name and this secret code (shh!)
Taught by
EuroPython Conference
