Not so long ago, NHS used to be under tremendous pressure during winter months. But now pressure is on throughout the year, even during warm, pleasant summer months when NHS staffs should have time to relax and catch-up on the rest and sleep they missed out during long, dark, wet and depressing winter months when they were obliged to work long hours!
While summer months bring relief from cold and flu symptoms, pressure comes from hay-fever sufferers, as more people are succumbing to this menace, losing their inbuilt immunity that we, the older generation have acquired through out-door living in tropical countries. There are also more incidents of binge drinking when lager, cider and other such intoxicating drinks taste like nectar from heaven; in a warm, long evenings when barbeque is a God send gift to enjoy and appreciate summer months.
Although obesity is world-wide problem, especially in well to do Western world, dominated by fast food culture where pizza, burger, chicken, kebabs, fish and chips dominate our dining table, we have acquired unenviable reputation as the most obese nation in Europe. At one time obesity was the curse of the young who live a life in fast lane. But now it starts from childhood, especially in primary and secondary schools where school meals are frowned-upon, in favour of junk food. No wonder fast food shops mushroom near schools, some even providing take away delivery if children are not allowed to leave school premises.
Obesity leads to other, more serious health problems later on in life, such as high cholesterol, blood pressure, type two diabetics, blocked arteries and related heart problems and many more that may need lifelong medication, putting enormous pressure on our under-funded, over-used NHS, especially on GPs and A & E service.
Obesity is slightly less menacing among Asian community, especially among those who are vegetarians, as vegetarian diet contains more water, fibres and less fat compared to non-veggie diet, although consumption of eggs and fish may be advantageous on the health front. What we need is sensible, balanced diet of protein and carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables and and less consumption of alcohol and take-away fried foods like chips, sweets, samosas, bhaji and their likes. Diwali is the prime-time for over-indulgence, the consumption of sweets and fried unhealthy foods. Do enjoy Diwali, especially as it comes so soon after Navratri when so many of us may observe fast. But moderation is the by-word to keep fit and healthy, especially in old age, take to heart the saying, “Apple a day, keeps doctor away!”
Kumudini Valambia
By email
