RISKING OUR HEALTH ON JUNK FOOD

Apr 11, 2017 Editorial, Features / Columnists

It is said that the health of a nation has some bearing on the wealth of a nation. It is also said that a healthy nation has people, who for the most part, are in good physical and mental health that makes them capable of producing at a high level. However, it seems that Guyana has become an increasingly unhealthy nation due to lifestyle changes that have led to chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
NCDs continue to take a heavy toll on the population and have incurred huge costs on the health care system. The situation has reached crisis levels with more than 80 percent of the adult population having been diagnosed with at least one health disorder.
The issue of an unhealthy population has attracted little discussion in the country. It is true that an unwell population leads to the loss of production and poorer government services. However, the health problems facing the nation can easily be changed or improved not only by government intervention, but also by the citizens taking responsibility for their health disorders. And some of these are obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes.
There seems to be a reluctance of many to take their medical condition seriously. In general, most Guyanese tend to view the curing of their illness to be the responsibility of doctors and nurses instead of their own. The old saying that prevention is better that cure is a stern reminder that the authorities have to do more than just issue warnings about the seriousness of NDCs and their consequences on the nation and the health system.
In the interest of all, they have to take decisive action and restrict the importation of junk food into the country and instead promote the usage of more homegrown foods such as vegetables, fruits, and fish.
Yams, cassava, plantains, eddoes, bananas, mangoes, coconuts, papaw, fish and other local fruits and vegetables are healthy diets. They could have a measurable impact on the health of the citizens in that they could help reduce obesity, diabetes and hypertension. In addition, not only is it patriotic but it is also a noble cause for a nation to consume what it produces.
One of the benefits of communication technology is the instant access to information that has allowed Guyana with a health problem to look at how other countries are grappling with the same disease and to adopt the best practices that can improve the situation at home.
An appreciation for local food to reduce obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure would make the nation much healthier. It could also help to preserve the nation’s identity and culture, improve production, reduce imports and increase foreign earnings.
Decisive action is needed by the authorities to prevent the undermining of the public health system in the country.
Junk food is food that is calorie-dense and nutrient poor. Recently, the consumption of junk food in Guyana increased dramatically, with 35 percent of the population now consuming predominantly junk food diets daily from the influx of several restaurants into the country. This trend has occurred concurrently with the rising epidemics of numerous chronic diseases which increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases.
Those who consume fast food as a regular part of their diets are consuming a far greater amount of fat, carbohydrates and processed sugar and less fiber than those who do not eat fast food regularly. Eating junk food is risking our health.

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RISKING OUR HEALTH ON JUNK FOOD

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