Healthy Choices

By Zoe Zeng

Living in an increasingly health-conscious society, most people know about Canada’s Food Guide and its recommended daily servings. However, given the ubiquity of health awareness, why do obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and other preventable disorders known to cause premature death continue to devastate the health of our population and to pose a burden on the over-stretched healthcare system?

The answer can be at least two-fold, requiring sufficient personal willpower and adequate social intervention.

Having lived in both China and Canada, I’ve noticed several major differences in the diet and exercise patterns in these two cultures. Let me begin with food preferences and choices. While many Canadians frequent fast-food restaurants and opt for microwave-ready meals, most Chinese residing in their native land remain faithful to making a daily trip to the local market to for fresh produce and meats, followed by the self-rewarding experience of preparing and cooking dishes for family and friends. Second, in contrast to consuming burgers and fries alongside sugary soft drinks, the Chinese enjoy a myriad of dishes on their dining table that typically consist of a mixture of vegetables, fish, meat and/or tofu, soup, and rice or noodles. Although many Canadians acknowledge the importance of eating well-portioned and diverse foods from different nutritional groups, “time” often becomes a limiting factor - or an overly used excuse - that prevents grocery-shopping and cooking.

Personally, though I began cooking systematically only during my first university degree, I find cooking a creative art that is equally fun when pursued alone or in team. When preparing a meal for myself, I enjoy being in charge of the situation and making all the decisions ranging from ingredient selection to food preparation to dish presentation. Similarly, when collaborating with family or friends, I enjoy deciding and planning the meal together as well as dividing and executing the respective duties. In addition to the economic advantage of home-cooking over frequent eat-outs, I use cooking as a stress buster, allowing me to socialize with friends and family while soaking in the pleasure of sharing.

In terms of physical exercise, many Canadians use paid indoor gym facilities or private clubs to work off a sweat. Though running, biking, soccer, tennis, and other sports are practised in the fresh outdoors, it appears one is more likely to find Canadians exercising in the company of an iPod or MP3 in enclosed, clumped quarters that are lined with rows of treadmills, elliptical trainers, stationary bikes and the like. In contrast, many Chinese living in China use outdoor, public areas like parks and gardens to indulge in various - often free - group exercises such as tai chi, traditional or modern dance, and badminton. For the latter, not only is there social mingling and physical fitness for those partaking in the group activities, but there is also the prospect of light entertainment and a sense of inspiration for those simply taking a stroll through the park.

These distinct diet and exercise patterns suggest that at a personal level one can pursue a healthy body without much material investment. Though money may facilitate the attainment of health to some extent, money cannot buy everything. In terms of physical fitness, though paying for a fitness class may be an incentive for one to go and exercise regularly, this strategy may be adversely affected by vehement weather or family situations for example. From personal experience, I can recall several regrettable times when I skipped an exercise class due to preventable factors like insufficient sleep or timeline pressure. However, I also dwell on the mental state of positivity following workouts where I congratulate myself for taking care of me. Reminding myself that a healthy body forms the fundamental basis for our aspirations and pleasures as well as boosts our self-esteem and confidence, I re-motivate myself to pursue realistic personal goals.

A ROLE FOR GOVERNMENT

In conjunction, at a population level, we generally expect different government institutions to ensure the availability and affordability of diverse, healthy foods on the market. Given that a powerful economy depends on a strong workforce, which is in turn composed of healthy and capable individuals, if the standards or affordability of healthy foods is compromised for short-term gains, then there would be a serious risk to the long-term health of individuals and society as a whole. Not only could there be more sick leaves for chronic or temporary illnesses, but there could also be a greater stress on the health care system to treat preventable disorders.

While our society promotes healthy eating habits, it is paradoxical that healthier food choices such as organic fresh produce almost always cost more than regular products. Though organic foods are more difficult to produce due to more demanding cultivation techniques, the price difference may act as a silent barrier that prevents equal access to healthy food. Yet, to reward organic farmers and manufacturers for producing healthier food choices while encouraging people to eat healthily, it would be beneficial if the government could introduce a solution such as subsidizing the cost difference to bring the price of healthy or healthier food choices on par with the less healthy counterparts.

As Confucius said over two thousand years ago, “qian li zhi xing, shi yu jiao xia (A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step),” the first step in healthy living is the determination to change for the better. Thus, with sufficient personal willpower and adequate social intervention or regulation, individuals could improve their own fitness while contributing positively to the workforce and economy of a society.