Why Some Countries Are Healthier Than Others
Some countries are healthier than others. It almost seems like health is a product of location when really it has more to do with the fact that the majority of people in most countries tend to have similar lifestyles. It is these factors and choices that decide which countries are healthier than others.
Nutrition
Nutrition is a major factor of a healthy or unhealthy lifestyle. Some countries have average diets that are centered on natural foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean meats while others have diets that are centered on a variety of processed foods. Because what you eat is meant to nourish your body not eating the right things means that your body will not get the proper nourishment. Eating chemicals and manufactured foods will mean that your body will be filled with substances it does not need or want. The first way of eating keeps the body strong and healthy while the second breaks it down.
Exercise
Some countries have residents who are active. Perhaps residents are accustomed to walking around town instead of driving or maybe they enjoy getting the benefits of exercise from more structured fitness programs. However exercise is obtained, people who exercise regularly are going to be healthier that people who do not. Those who do not exercise regularly, aside from being out of shape, will be more likely to suffer a variety of serious health problems.
Less Smoking
Smoking is bad for your health. There is no surprise there. Cancer is just one of the ill effects that people suffer from smoking and there are many more. Countries that have people who smoke less, or hopefully not at all, are always going to have healthier residents.
Less Alcohol
Countries that have residents who drink less alcohol are going to be healthier. Now there have been some reported benefits of modest amounts of alcohol, like one glass of red wine a day, but if you exceed modest amounts of alcohol then your health will pay the price. This is another reason why some countries are healthier than others. Countries with residents who drink very little to not at all are healthier.
Quality Medical Care
Some countries are healthier than others just because of their access to quality medical care. First, those who have access to medical care are going to be healthier. Second, of those who have access to medical care those who have access to better medical care are going to be healthier.
Preventative Care
Preventative care deserves its own section because countries that focus on preventing health problems are healthier. Those countries that just work on treating health problems after they appear are less healthy. It is easier and more effective to prevent health problems than to wait to treat them when they show up.
These are reasons why some countries are healthier than others. If you want to be healthier then eat natural foods, exercise regularly, don’t smoke, limit alcohol intake to a maximum of one appropriate drink per day, and focus on preventing health problems. If you do all this then you will avoid the majority of common health problems.
T.R. Heinecker enjoys writing about how to get an online masters in global health.