The importance of good health

As the new year begins, some people are making resolutions, some are realizing its becoming difficult to live upto resolutions and some are already on the path of breaking their resolutions. There are some people like me who never really bothered about any resolutions at any point of time in life. I, at least don't consciously remember 'wanting' any kind of resolution. All I've ever wanted in life is 'good health', well that's a broad phrase agreed. So what, according to me does 'good health' constitute ? Mostly its about basic fitness. I personally want to be fit to an extent of being able to :

Walk 5 miles at the rate of 20 minutes a mile.
Run 2 miles at the rate of 10 minutes a mile.
Swim For half a mile and be able to stay in water comfortably for an hour.
Lift a minimum of half one's body weight from the ground up.

Being in good health means not having to take any kind of medications regularly. No pain killers, allergy medicines, sleeping pills etc. Am not sure if any of these are fitness related and can be prevented by regular physical activity but what I've noticed is that people who are generally fit don't have any of these ailments.

Good health also implies that the body should be able to resist minor fluctuations both externally and internally. For instance minor changes in temperature, exposure to rain, change in drinking water, minor injuries ( cuts, bruises etc ).

So what's the recipe for good health. There are tons of websites offering advice on food, exercise, dieting etc. I wont delve into any of these matters but based on my personal experience, can put up a recipe :

Upbringing in childhood : Play as much as possible, get dirty, get drenched in rains, fight, wriggle in mud and stay outdoors as much as possible. Learn to swim and cycle at an early age, they are great assets. Stay away from TV and video games and cultivate a hobby instead.
Regular physical activity : In adulthood do some physical activity everyday, period.Even household activities like wiping the floor, cleaning up cobwebs, washing clothes ( not in a machine of course ), drawing water from a well will suffice. If not anything walk for a mile. There is no need to shell out money on a gym, unless one wants to be a body builder or a professional athlete.
Social life and Laughter: There couldn't be a better medicine than a whole hearted laugh. People cannot laugh at everything, sense of humor varies but yeah the more you laugh, the more healthy are. Socialize as much as possible, its a great way to stay out of stress.
Good Food: Eat good food 4 times a day. Avoid excess red meat.
Smoking and Drinking: Say no to regular smoking. Half a glass of red wine with food helps in adding the much required anti-oxidants to the body.
Sing n Dance: Though it may not be apparent, singing or dancing regularly is one of the greatest contributors to good health. Again developing an interest in singing or dancing has a lot to do with upbringing.

So heres wishing everyone a healthy and fabulous new year and 'Happy Shankraanthi'.