Better off Poor in UK than Rich in US! (page 4)

itsallgoodnow

I heard the same NPR program today. One theory was it could be the work schedule of the americans vs the brits. Americans work longer hours, take less holidays and that results in less time to take care of themselves, their families and their social network. I think getting enough rest is probably way more important than eating right.

james_woods

For what it may be worth -

I always thought that Graham Kerr pretty much screwed up his cooking show career when he became born again, quit drinking wine, and tried to start counting up grams of fat.

You didn't ever see James Beard or Julia Child doing such nonsense. Of course, they are both gone past - and maybe the galumphing gourmet is still with us?

Beef - it's what's for dinner.

nelly136

the galloping gourmet??? is he still alive? can remember watching him on black and white tv

i went on a vegetarian kick recently, it lasted about a fortnight and doubled my shopping bill, dunno what they do to veg these days but it goes off so fast. so alas i get some fresh but tend to buy frozen so at least it doesnt rot faster than i can use it.

Seeker4

The report mentioned that the US spends TWICE as much money on health care as the UK - but as someone mentioned here, access to FREE healthcare in the UK may be an advantage.
When it comes to exercise, I was reading recently that most people tend to think they get much more exercise than they do. As an example, the article said that for someone to say they are "moderately active" means they should be spending a minimum of one hour a day in vigorous exercise. Under that definition, I know of very, very few people who would be considered even "moderately active."
Personally, I've decided exercise and proper eating are the key. Lori and I spend from 40 minutes to over an hour five times a week running trails here in the area. In addition we lift weights a couple times a week, do yoga and try to keep really active in other ways.
For food, we shop the outside aisle of the market - fresh vegetables, meats, dairy - whole foods as much as possible. We grow what we can in season. I love to cook, so we have very little packaged foods.
Stress is a factor, but the exercise and yoga help a lot with that, plus copious amounts of wine!
S4

Joe Grundy

This is how the BBC reported it: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4965034.stm

Rooster

Just give me a Big Mac, fries, Coke & some blood pressure pills.

luna2

Very interesting. I know I don't walk much around here at all. There are people who take walks in my neighborhood but they aren't doing it to get anywhere. I never even consider walking to the grocery store (probably about a 4-mile hike round trip). It takes too long and I can't carry much home with me. Just don't have the time for it. Now, when I've traveled to big cities, like New York, San Diego, or Chicago, I walk almost everywhere. Wonder if I still would do that if I lived there.

As for fast food, its hard not to indulge sometimes. I try to stay away from it, but when you've worked a 10 hour day and don't have anything defrosted at home, its a real temptation. Guess I should work on planning better.

BizzyBee

This is another wake-up call for Americans to change bad health habits. Though this article did not fully explain WHY the differences, some possibilities have been explored here.

My first thought was, "The English?????"

My second thought was that the English have a wonderful sense of humor - not just jokes - but a humorous outlook on life. I think that has a lot to do with health.

And often, we Americans take ourselves WAYYYYY too seriously (witness some of the responses on this board, especially about believers and non-believers - its like a grudge match!)

detective

The study was done to try to find out the effects of poverty on health , which is why they just studied whites, to eliminate the effects of race.

White isn't a race? I mean, I've heard of racists but raceless-ists?

Seeker4

"My first thought was, 'The English?????'"
Yes, me too! I'm thinking, "Hey, maybe the Swedes or the Norwegians or Finns, but the English?? WTF?!" Bad food, bad climate, not necessarily know for their healthy lifestyle.
Must be the Guinness!
Just kidding folks...
S4

Better off Poor in UK than Rich in US!

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