Friday, September 4, 2009

LESS IS BEST

Here's a news article received from Jenna to share with all:

Less meat brings heart, climate benefits, says professor

A Dutch cardiologist has added his voice to calls for a reduction in red meat consumption – both for the good of people’s hearts and for the good of the planet.

In recent months a number of reports have suggested that people in Western countries need to reduce their consumption of red meat, partly for health reasons and partly because meat consumption contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions – up to 18 per cent, according to estimates.

The World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research recommend that individuals eat no more than 500g of red meat a week. But many people eat meat every day, meaning their weekly consumption is way over this.
The latest advocate for cutting back on red meat is Professor Ole Faergemann of Arhus University Hospital in Denmark, who told attendees at the European Cardiology Society in Barcelona, Spain this week that professional organisations in cardiovascular medicine and research should pay more attention to the links between health and climate.

Such an approach, already adopted by the World Health Organization and national medical institutions, is merited for two reasons.
Firstly, he said: “Risk of cardiovascular disease can be reduced by interventions which also reduce the risk of climate change. For example, recommendations could be given regarding the consumption of red meat such as those already made by oncology institutions.”

Secondly, he drew attention to physicians and researchers’ training, which stands them in good stead to understand the often complex scientific details of climate change, and promote this understanding in public and private debate.
“It is difficult for politicians in democratic countries to make the necessary changes in national and international policies for energy, transport, agriculture, urban planning, family planning etc without general public understanding of the issues.”

Faergemann said that physicans and scientists have the authority to promote understanding.

Calls to eat less meat
Prof Faergemann is not the first to draw links between meat consumption for better health and climate change.

The Swedish government recently circulated draft dietary guidelines which were based on climate considerations as well as human health.

And a recent report from the World Wildlife Fund suggested that retailers could play more of a role in curbing red meat consumption, both in the interests of their customers’ health and the climate.

BLOGGER'S NOTE : Take care of your health and that of Mother Earth's....
BE VEG! GO GREEN! SAVE THE PLANET!

1 comment:

Brate said...

It’s like a really surprising blog for any one who is suffering from heart disease. But the rate at which damage occurs to the heart cells are far beyond their recovery cycle. So, though it might not be that helpful in recovery, but still for youngsters, it can be like a boon. Isn’t it natural for us to believe we are healthy and not suffering from any disease? I had a similar thought process until my physician asked me to get a heart scan done after he found that my basic cardiograms were not perfect. I discovered that there were calcium deposits in my coronary arteries and I was at a serious risk of a heart attack. I was shocked and went ahead with the Cardiologist's suggestion of an advanced diagnostic scan. Though it’s always tough to undergo such experiences, I was not at any kind of discomfort at the Elitehealth.com advanced heart scan facility. I am not an expert in medical appliance and machines but could feel that the equipment was world-class and I was in safe hands. That feeling is really very important for me and that’s how it actually went on. The facilities for Full Body Scan were as good as they can get.