Health for the Yungerman: Walking, Sleep, and a Checkup on Time געזונט פאר'ן יונגערמאן: גיין, שלאפן, און א טשעק-אפ צו די צייט

A yungerman runs from Shacharis to seder, from seder to work, and from work to the children. When is there time to think about the body? But the Rambam writes clearly in Hilchos Deos (4:1): "Since keeping the body healthy and whole is among the ways of Hashem" — for one cannot understand or know of the Creator when he is ill.

Walking: The Simplest Exercise

MedlinePlus, a U.S. government health site, says adults need at least 150 to 300 minutes a week of moderate activity, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity. Walking fast counts. You can break it into small chunks — even a little helps.

Practically for a yungerman:

• Walk to kollel or work instead of driving.
• A brisk walk after Maariv, 20–30 minutes.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

The Rambam (4:14) gives a rule: as long as a person exercises and exerts himself, and doesn't eat to full satiation, sickness will not come upon him and his strength will grow.

Sleep

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the NIH, experts recommend adults sleep between 7 and 9 hours a night. Those who sleep less than 7 hours may have more health issues.

And the Rambam (4:4)? "It is sufficient for a man to sleep a third of it, which is eight hours" — a third of the day and night, eight hours. The same advice, eight hundred years earlier.

A Checkup on Time

MedlinePlus writes for men ages 18 to 39:

• Blood pressure: at least once every 3 to 5 years (more often if the doctor says).
• Dentist: once or twice a year.
• Ask the doctor about other tests based on age and health.

High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so the only way to know is to measure it.

A Rule to End With

The Rambam also teaches (4:2) not to eat until fully full, but to about three quarters. With a little walking, enough sleep and a checkup, there is more strength for learning, for davening, and for the family. Be well!