Preventing NCDs

I MUST commend Dr Bale Kurabui for his thought provoking article titled “Changing lifestyles” (FT 10/04).

He has hit the nail on the head in analysing the cause and effect of the rising incidence of NCDs in Fiji. Not that it has not been said before.

But we must keep hammering until the message sinks into heads.

The good doctor provides some useful tips about how we can lead a longer and healthier life by adopting and maintaining healthy dietary practices and engaging in daily physical activities.

It’s all about cutting down on consumption of processed food and alcohol.

Most of the NCDs are reversible if we make the right choice when it comes to eating and drinking. As they say we are what we eat and this is within our control if we have the willpower.

Why are we not able to follow the simple diet of eating breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper?

We often hear that prevention is better than cure.

But do we really care? I have always wondered why even after losing a loved one at an early age because of NCD there is no change in eating habits or lifestyle.

There is anecdotal evidence that cancer related illness is most common amongst women especially those between the age of 3555. Why? Is it because of the quality of food we eat?

We proudly boast about the good health of our elderly parents and grandparents some of who are in their nineties now and still going strong.

Yet, we are not inspired by them.

Despite their vulnerabilities concomitant with old age they are still able to do their daily chores and even prepare their own meals.

They are the living quintessential of healthy lifestyles and every effort should be made to capture the success stories of their longevity on video documentaries before they are lost forever.

SELWA NANDAN Lautoka