NCD issue

I WONDER if the shift towards mass farming because of the COVID-19 crisis will improve some of our NCD statistics in the future.

Lifestyle related NCDs (as opposed to those that are not dependent on lifestyle habits) are not limited to the poor socio-economic status.

It is definitely limited to the social habits of our upbringing. If our child is not eating well or not a healthy weight we will shove things down their throats to give us solace.

Most of the time this will be unhealthy tasty carbohydrates because why give the child vegies and torture them any further?

We introduce unhealthy comfort foods to our children at the first instance they learn how to eat. And years later expect them to develop healthy habits.

With the burdens of an already stressful society taking a toll on us, whether it’s financial stresses of the poor labourer or the pressures of everyday deals of a rich businessman, one thing is for sure, they will look forward to a hot and unhealthy meal that reminds them of the comfort and security of their childhood. Healthy living, improved NCD statistics and the beginnings of a reduction of the national health budget begins with two generations simultaneously. One is ours and the second is everyone we nurture from a newborn age.

Give them healthy and mostly plant-based, preservative free foods in the most loving and relaxed environment. Reinvent the meaning of “comfort” in comfort food. Please try this at home.

DR J BROWN

Lautoka