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| One of the more popular western practices adopted by South African people is going to the gym. Stand Up For Your Health, a gym located in the township of Kylisha just outside of Capetown, was created by the people in the community and it’s gaining rapid popularity. Men and women, both young and old, can be found here using exercise machines familiar to many of us. Battling the bulge and disease prevention keeps these individuals focused, although having the desire to become a slim African, becomes a great challenge because of the stigma attached to it. Culturally, a portly African is recognized as healthy, while being a thin African is generally viewed as one being sick with HIV/AIDS. Herein lies the contrast in beliefs that affects their lifestyle choices. As I continued to listen I was also surprised to find that China now holds one fifth of the world's obese population. Although compared to the rest of the world ; this is still a relatively small percentage. It is however a growing problem with the residents of its urban areas; where as in any other metropolis a more sedentary life style is experienced. Various fat farms, better eating habits and exercise are the outgrowth of China's attempts to address the needs of its population. An emphasis on traditional methods of achieving balance such as Tai Chi, a soft styled martial art often practiced in the fresh morning air serves as an active meditation and foundation for well being. The ‘tune in’ to the BBC broadcast served to highlight, enlighten and remind me that the ’tune up’ of the body affects the cultures of the world at large. Sharing information and strategies for overcoming obesity requires each and every individual to avail themselves of the opportunity to heighten their awareness and avoid the detriments of obesity’s negative health effects. In this way we willfully choose life for ourselves as well as for generations to come. Andrew B. [Make comments on Lingk's blog. I digg this | del.icio.us | add to redit | |
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