It's easy to take health for granted. Why is it there? Using Shin Nekketsu Kouha as a starting point, we discuss how health informs the ways we play and experience games.Then, stick around for an interview with Ben Ruiz, combat consultant and designer on the upcoming brawler Aztez. He shares his thoughts on health and mechanical depth in brawlers. (As a side note, some of our discussion relies on his outline of The History of Beat 'em Ups.)