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Food Facts Asia Issue 29 - Thinking globally, taking it personally for a long and healthy life |
| Published on 14-05-2007 |
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In 2004, the World Health Assembly, the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organisation adopted an international strategy to counteract the ever-rising impact of unhealthy lifestyle and diet on quality of life and life expectancy It is intended to provide, evidence-based strategic guidance to nations and health agencies, researchers and practitioners on how to go about reversing the impact of disease such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, overweight and obesity and dental decay on health, wellbeing and economic prosperity This global strategy is universally acknowledged to be both highly ambitious and absolutely essential.
But what does all this grand strategy and scientific expertise mean for the man, woman and child on the street? Can individuals use this massive undertaking to improve their own personal health? Read on for some key insights on how, and why to use this internationally recognised science-based initiative to inform your daily lifestyle and diet choices.....
Many Health Gains Achieved, but the Best is Yet to Come
Life expectancy has increased dramatically in many countries in Asia, and is now approaching life expectancy in some of the most affluent parts of the world such as the US, Europe and Australia. However, with the exception of Japan which has the highest life expectancy in the world, there are further gains in longevity to be made in the region. An even more important goal however, is to improve the quality of life in those additional years of old age.
'Chronic disease is responsible for 60% of the 56 million deaths and 46% of the burden of the disease in the Asia region. 45% of these cases occur in those under 70 years of age.' Dr Richard Nesbitt, WHO Regional Director in the opening address of the WHO Western Pacific Region Workshop on the Implementation of the Global Strategy for Prevention of Chronic Disease, October 2006.
The Challenge for Asia
Asia has been less successful in extending years of healthy living than it has in extending total life expectancy. For example, the World Health Organisation estimates that 22% of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in China begins in those aged 35-64 years, compared to only 12% in the USA. 52% of CVD deaths in India occur in those under 70 years of age, compared to only 23% of CVD deaths in Europe, and many of these deaths will have been preceded by years of ill health. Ill health associated with CVD which includes conditions such as angina, heart failure and strokes, results in diminished quality of life and erosion of financial well being due to loss of paid work, impaired ability to look after others, expensive medical treatment, erosion of personal independence, reduced capacity to enjoy or continue leisure activities.
Those in Asia also face reduced quality of life and early death, as a result of other chronic degenerative disease included in the WHO strategy, namely cancer, osteoporosis-related fractures and dental disease as well as the complications that overweight and obesity bring to other conditions such as gall bladder disease, recovery after surgery and many others.
Type 2 diabetes is responsible for an even greater impact on life expectancy, quality of life as well personal and national economic prosperity in the Asia region, and this impact is expected to rise. Professor Kun Ho Yoon of Kangnam St Mary's Hospital in Seoul, S Korea forecasts that China and India will have 20 million type 2 diabetics each by 2025.
Type 2 Diabetes in Asia - the Greatest Challenge
It is becoming increasingly apparent that many in Asia are far more susceptible to developing type 2 diabetes and the ensuing complications, than their Caucasian peers. Many in Asia develop type 2 diabetes at a much earlier age (typically before age 50 compared to over 60 years of age), and at much lower levels of excess body fat than western counterparts and thus are more likely to have to face the ill health, the inconvenience and the financial burdens of the disease in the middle of their working life rather than approaching or in retirement. Additionally, those in China, India and the ASEAN countries face more of the complications associated with the disease which include loss of eyesight, heart and kidney disease, loss of nerve sensitivity and even limb amputations.
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