There is always a way. If you are going purely text based (it's a bad idea, save yourself a lot of headache, because even if you do struggle through problem after problem, you are not learning the proper or even a good way to do things, just don't do it) rewrite the players health every time the screen changes. Write hp:50 over hp:50 every refresh.
I suggest using a graphics package. http://www.sfml-dev.org/ to make your life easier, produce a better game, and a better learning experience.
Intrexa's right, though. You would be a better idea to use a multimedia library to make your game. Believe it or not, it's not only easier, but it produces better results. :)