Most people agree that modern lifestyles can be unhealthy, both physically and mentally. I believe there are three main problems, but also some practical steps we can take.
Perhaps the largest problem is the issue of obesity, which is growing drastically in most
Western countries. With people working at desks and using transport rather than walking, weight gain seems inevitable, and being overweight causes various medical issues including heart trouble and strokes. Another major problem linked to lifestyle is poor diet, with people who are short of time eating junk food rather than proper nutrients. Resultant health problems range from obesity to high cholesterol and even organ failure. Finally, we must consider the issue of mental health. Modern
lifestyles are highly pressurised, with people expected to work at a fast pace for extended periods, and little scope for family life or relaxation, leading to enormous stress and anxiety.
Turning to possible solutions, the biggest step would be to improve the level of education regarding health issues connected to lifestyle, especially obesity. The government, media and schools should work together to raise awareness of the dangers and to promote sports and other positive
practices. A further step would be to use legislation to curb the consumption of unhealthy foods, for example by imposing higher sales taxes or by restricting availability in retail outlets. Furthermore, to deal with the psychological impacts, we should encourage employers to adopt more flexible working
practices, allowing workers to lead a fuller private life with less stress.
Overall, the key problems of obesity and stress can be addressed through a combination of awareness, targeted legislation and better employment practices.
Most
people
agree
that modern lifestyles can be unhealthy, both
physically
and mentally. I believe there are three main
problems
,
but
also
some
practical steps we can take.
Perhaps the largest
problem
is the
issue
of obesity, which is growing
drastically
in most
Western countries. With
people
working at desks and using transport
rather
than walking, weight gain seems inevitable, and being overweight causes various medical
issues
including heart trouble and strokes. Another major
problem
linked to lifestyle is poor diet, with
people
who are short of time eating junk food
rather
than proper nutrients. Resultant health
problems
range from obesity to high cholesterol and even organ failure.
Finally
, we
must
consider the
issue
of mental health. Modern
lifestyles are
highly
pressurised
, with
people
expected
to work at a
fast
pace for extended periods, and
little
scope for family life or relaxation, leading to enormous
stress
and anxiety.
Turning to possible solutions, the biggest step would be to
improve
the level of education regarding health
issues
connected to lifestyle,
especially
obesity. The
government
, media and schools should work together to raise awareness of the
dangers
and to promote sports and other
positive
practices. A
further
step would be to
use
legislation to curb the consumption of unhealthy foods,
for example
by imposing higher sales taxes or by restricting availability in retail outlets.
Furthermore
, to deal with the psychological impacts, we should encourage employers to adopt more flexible working
practices, allowing workers to lead a fuller private life with less
stress
.
Overall
, the key
problems
of obesity and
stress
can
be addressed
through a combination of awareness, targeted legislation and better employment practices.