Many people find it difficult to live a healthy life. What are the difficulties they face? What can these people do to become healthier?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Over the past few decades, the number of patients dying of strokes, heart attacks, liver failure and diabetes has increased tremendously, not only in economically-developed parts of the world but also in less advanced regions of
the globe. Medical experts have identified at least two major causes: poor quality diet and
a sedentary lifestyle. Both of these factors often lead to obesity and potential medical complications.
In the early twenty-first century, many find it almost impossible to live a healthy life. They are bombarded with advertising for junk food and tempted by the scores of fast-food outlets in every town. They probably lead such busy lives that there simply is not the time to go to a market and buy good-quality, fresh and nutritious produce which contains the vitamins and minerals necessary for good health.
Technology is another factor which bears a great deal of responsibility for our unhealthy society. Youngsters in particular have become addicted to their screens and, instead of going outside and enjoying physical activity with their friends and schoolmates as previous generations would have done, they spend their entire day on the sofa, staring at their tiny screens.
These days most of us live in cities which are themselves potentially damaging to health. Pollution levels have risen sharply, leading many city-dwellers to suffer from respiratory illnesses. Furthermore, the constant noise and pressure of living in an urban area can cause considerable stress. Poor-quality housing and difficult working conditions also contribute to health issues.
However, the situation is not entirely bleak. Anyone who wants better health can take a few steps in the right direction though quite a lot of effort may be required. First of all, diet is fundamental. We can all cut down on takeaways and processed food and double the amount of fresh fruit we consume. Another sensible approach would be to take gentle exercise; a brisk twenty-minute walk each day can considerably improve a person’s fitness. Deep-breathing exercises or meditation can be used to enable us to keep calm under pressure and positive visualisations are very effective at making us feel more contented.
Finally, those with a hectic lifestyle need to try to make some time and space for themselves. All of this is certainly easier said than done, but with a little willpower it can be achieved.
- the globe = the world
- a sedentary lifestyle = a type of lifestyle with little or no physical activity. A person living a sedentary lifestyle is often sitting or lying down while engaged in an activity like reading, socializing, watching television, playing video games, or using a mobile phone/computer for much of the day
- to be bombarded with = to see so many things of these adverts that it is impossible to avoid them
- to be tempted by = to want something
- the scores of = the many
- to bear a great deal of responsibility for = to be responsible for; to accept responsibility for
- city-dwellers = people who live in a city
- respiratory illnesses = illnesses that affect their breathing
- bleak = hopeless
- to cut down on = reduce the amount of
- brisk = fast
- a hectic lifestyle = a busy lifestyle
- willpower = the ability to control the way you behave
There are often questions about healthy/unhealthy lifestyles so make sure you include complex language such as: obesity; a sedentary lifestyle; to cut down on; processed food; takeaways; a hectic lifestyle; diabetes etc
