Why Do Cultures For Health and Lifestyles Differ?
In this new millennium, the importance of cultures has expanded to encompass the health and well being of human societies and nations. Recent research indicates that there is strong evidence that a number of widespread diseases can be attributed to the interaction of cultural differences and the lack of communication. It’s been suggested that cultures influence the development of heart disease by influencing the diet and other behaviours that are relevant to a healthy heart. The results of previous research on the subject have also shown that cultures provide distinct advantages when it comes to the prevention and treatment of numerous illnesses. The study, entitled “Cultural Factors And Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach” was completed by researchers at the universities of Gothenburg and Copenhagen.
It has been suggested that cultures differ so much because their people follow different paths in life. People from different cultures differ when it comes to beliefs, attitudes towards the community, their views on wealth, status and social behaviour. All these factors combine to create differences regarding health, attitudes and lifestyle. These differences are most pronounced in western countries, where people follow different lifestyles than those of eastern cultures.
The results of this study showed that cultures differ when it comes to attitudes towards health, diet and exercise, attitudes towards the family and overall sense of social belonging. Researchers found strong associations between cultures and levels of physical and mental health and disability. On the other hand, the results showed that cultures differ so much because their people follow different paths in life. People living in different cultures tend to adopt contrasting lifestyles, which results in differences regarding diet, exercise and health. All these factors combine to produce differences regarding health, attitudes and lifestyle.
The differences in lifestyles brought about by varying cultures may have a negative effect on the overall health of individuals. It has been suggested that, because of these differences, cultures may prevent people from living a healthy and fulfilling life. If you think about it, the differences in lifestyles that exist between cultures could have an effect on your life. You are living in a culture, therefore your diet, fitness level and lifestyle habits are influenced by that culture.
There is also evidence that shows how cultures differ when it comes to health. Research from Harvard shows that children in different cultures tend to have lower body mass index scores. The reason for this is that cultures place greater emphasis on physical beauty and a smaller emphasis on mental beauty. Children in Western cultures are exposed to images that include models with perfect bodies and figures, while children in different cultures are exposed to images of obese, fat children. The result is that Western children have higher body mass index scores.
Another example shows that different cultures differ when it comes to alcohol consumption. Some cultures drink more alcohol, while others don’t drink at all. One of the reasons why there is a difference in drinking is because different cultures have different views on what is considered to be acceptable form alcohol consumption. If the amount of alcohol is less than the culture’s recommended limits, the individuals who practice it live longer lives.
Lifestyle is another factor that affects one’s chances of living a healthy lifestyle. Different cultures have very different views on exercise and how much to exercise. While some cultures allow for extensive exercise, they also require less exercise, or if an individual chooses to do exercise at all, it is done very minimally. This has implications for the type of exercise chosen.
It is important to look at the differences between cultures for health and fitness. Many of these differences can be accounted for by cultural factors. However, it is important to remember that all cultures and lifestyles affect an individual differently, so one should not think that just because one practices a certain lifestyle, that they will live a healthy life. It is always a good idea to consult with a doctor and seek a medical opinion before making any changes to your lifestyle.