Global warming is caused by an increase in greenhouse gases (Greenhouse Gas or GHG) in the atmosphere. It is like a mirror that reflects heat and radiation from the sun. leave the surface of the earth This condition occurs both from nature and human activities. It affects the world in many ways, such as the melting of glaciers. Sea level rise and floods inclement weather These changes affect biodiversity and ecosystems. Both land and sea The extinction of living things has occurred. It is harmful to the survival of plants and animals, including humans.

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At the 26th COP26 (Conference of the Parties) meeting in 2021 in Glasgow. United Kingdom International total of 200 countries have announced plans to reduce emissions. Confirming the Paris Agreement in 2015 to try to keep global temperatures from rising above 1.5 degrees Celsius. If global temperatures increase by 2 degrees Celsius. People around the world may face food and water shortages. until starvation and malnutrition occur

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Threats from chronic non-communicable diseases

Our world is facing a threat called“Non-communicable diseases, NCDs”According to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, global deaths from NCDs reached 74%, or 45 million people worldwide. and in this report Thai people die from NCDs as high as 77%, higher than the global average. Or that is equivalent to 380,400 people per year or there will be up to 44 deaths per hour from NCDs.

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The spread of the COVID-19 virus has further highlighted this. Danger of chronic infectious diseases When the World Health Organization reported that Obese patients infected with COVID19 They are 7 times more likely to suffer death and serious illness than the general population, 3.9 times more likely to have a stroke, 3 times more likely to have diabetes, 2.9 times more likely to have coronary heart disease, and 2.3 times more likely to have high blood pressure.

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“The occurrence of NCDs is related to lifestyle behaviors. and the consumption of products according to popular trends,” said Dr. Tanupon Wirunhakarun (Dr. Amp), President of the Bangkok Association of Rehabilitation Doctors and Obesity Education Promotion (BARSO) and Chairman of the Executive Committee of BDMS Wellness Clinic.“Whether it is eating too much food Drinking large amounts of alcohol, smoking, and less physical activity Including stress problems not getting enough sleep and air pollution To solve these problems, we must rely onGuidelines for having sustainable healthy behavior or Sustainable Wellness”

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The United Nations (UN) has defined the meaning of Sustainability means meeting the needs of people today. without compromising our ability to meet the needs of the next generation Therefore, creating sustainable health behaviors along with creating knowledge and understanding about sustainability. (Sustainability Literacy) is therefore an important issue that affects good health. Not just the current generation but also for the next generation.

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Dr. Amp gives simple advice on having sustainable healthy habits. You can easily follow these 5 principles:

1. Choose plant-based foods
2. Do sustainable physical activity.
3. Reduce dust generation for good weather
4. Get enough sleep To reduce the use of resources
5. Volunteer activities to take care of the environment

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“All of this not only helps our health to be stronger. But it also has a positive impact on our world,” Dr. Amp said.

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1. Food from plants is sustainable food

Industrial agriculture directly affects soil quality. Industrial agriculture destroys microorganisms in the soil. Sucking organic matter and minerals out of the soil through invasive farming practices These made many areas of arable land. are facing the problem of declining soil quality This results in fewer good microorganisms entering our intestines. Including vitamins and minerals It enters our body less as well.

From a study published in A 2021 International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition comparison of the mineral content of UK fruits and vegetables found that over the past 80 years, the mineral content of fruits and vegetables has decreased significantly. Iron and copper decreased by as much as approximately 50%, magnesium decreased by 9.7%, potassium decreased by 4.7%, and calcium decreased by 2.5%, The same applies to similar studies in the United States. Published in 2004 in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, researchers examined the nutrients in 43 crops and compared them with U.S. Department of Agriculture records from 1950. They found that protein, calcium, iron, phosphorus, vitamins B2 and C were significantly reduced.

This situation is in line with estimates from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that as many as 2 billion people are vitamin and mineral deficient. Even if you get enough energy from food Or call this condition Hidden Hunger.

Meanwhile, the population is continuously increasing. People are starting to eat more western food. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) predicts that meat, dairy and egg production will increase by 44% by 2050. This not only causes health problems, but also causes health problems. But it also causes environmental problems along with it. Because of the current food industry system Emissions of greenhouse gases are as high as approximately 1 in 4 of the world, accounting for 70% of fresh water use and 40% of total land use. This includes the use of fertilizers and chemicals that block the cycling of nitrogen and phosphorus, which cause most of the pollution in rivers and coasts.

The majority of greenhouse gas emissions originate from the food production system, with approximately 30–50% coming from the livestock industry chain. A September 2021 McKinsey Sustainability report said that ruminants like cows and sheep Methane gas is released during digestion. Along with carbon dioxide and other gases, they account for nearly 70 percent of agricultural emissions. If we compare these animals to countries Animals are responsible for carbon dioxide emissions. More than every country in the world It is second only to China.

In 2019, the nutritionist group ecologist and a total of 37 other experts from 16 countries, the EAT-Lancet Commission on Food, Planet, Health, released a report calling for a broad shift in dietary guidelines. Taking into consideration the nutritional and environmental benefits simultaneously, it was concluded that the dietary guidelines Be “Flexitarian” by eating a plant-rich diet almost every day. Occasionally alternating with eating a small amount of meat or fish. It is beneficial to health and the environment at the same time. Win-Win for both us and the world.

If on average If everyone eats more plant-based diets and stops emissions from other sectors, there is a 50% chance of stopping global climate change by 1.5 degrees Celsius, as agreed. And if the food production system is improved in various parts, such as reducing food waste (Food Waste) The chance of completing a deal increases to 67%.

Because obtaining 1 kilogram of beef causes the release of up to 60 kilograms of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, while soybeans produce only 0.9 kilograms of carbon dioxide, which is a 60-fold difference. And the water resources used in livestock products are significantly higher. For example, 1 kilogram of beef requires up to 15,415 liters of water. Pork and Chicken meat uses 5,988 and 4,325 liters of water, respectively, while producing 1 kilogram of vegetables reduces water use by several fold: rice uses 1,673 liters of water, apples 822 liters, and tomatoes use only 287 liters of water.

A Mintel survey reports that consumer behavior over the past year from 2021 to 2022 shows a trend towards a decrease in eating meat and dairy products. Not only economic and environmental reasons But also for health reasons. This is despite the fact that the proportion of vegetarians and vegans remains constant at 3% and 1% respectively. But the proportion of consumers who mainly eat meat (Carnivore) decreased from 33% to 28% and the trend towards flexible eating. (Flexitarian) increased from 10% to 13%.

For Thailand itself Turning to a traditional way of life such as consuming vegetables that can be found locally. or seasonal fruits and vegetables It can help support healthy, sustainable eating practices. Because it can reduce the use of water, chemicals, and greenhouse gas emissions from the production and transportation processes. In addition, eating traditional Thai food that is rich in various types of vegetables and herbs. It also gives you health benefits. Because it is high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It also undergoes little processing.

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2. Exercise or sustainable physical activity (Exercise and Sustainable Physical Activity)

Having sustainable healthy habits It is not limited to just eating patterns. But it also includes physical activity. The definition of sustainable exercise is broader than exercise for health benefits with adequate duration, intensity, and frequency. To bring about health benefits only But it also includes not consuming too much food or supplements. Using exercise facilities and equipment sparingly or change your daily travel style Such as walking, running, cycling to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted (Carbon Footprint).

Active transportation such as walking, cycling, and rowing are forms of transportation that do not produce carbon. (Carbon-Free) and increase exercise opportunities Helps promote health at all ages. In a 2011 report published in the journal Environment International, it was found that physical travel It helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by about 11%, as well as reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer.

Having regular physical activity It also helps to slow down the shortening of telomeres (Telomere). Telomeres are the DNA at the end of chromosomes. Can indicate the age of cells in the body (Biological age) and tell the condition of cell degeneration. (Degenerative status) which if the telomere length is short The risk of illness and old age is increasing. Research from the National Health and Nutrition Examination A survey published in 2017 of 5,823 American adults found that weekly exercise energy expenditure exceeded 1000 METs (Metabolic Equivalent of Task), such as running for 30 or 40 minutes per day at least 5 days per week. Can reduce the shortening of telomeres. and reduces the lifespan of cells by 9 years compared to people who do not exercise

This is in line with Mintel's report on people's travel habits changing more. Especially after the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. People are worried about safety. Cleanliness in the transportation system health and environment causing a tendency to turn to walking Or cycling instead of using a car to increase physical activity and make the body stronger as well.

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3. Good weather starts with healthy behavior.

The air we breathe It is an important part of life. Global warming causes global temperatures to increase. Intense, frequent, and long-lasting heat events are occurring. The air circulation cycle has changed due to global warming. It also results in worse air quality. Poor air leads to various health problems, including eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing, allergies, and difficulty breathing. Or if it's worse, Affects the cardiovascular system which in the long run air pollution Increased risk of certain types of cancer It also results in a weakened immune system.

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Having good health habits, such as not smoking Reducing the consumption of processed food or avoid using personal cars Helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Causes of global warming and reduce the creation of PM2.5 and PM10 dust from engines and industrial factories It is a part of making the air clean. Reduce the risk of various respiratory diseases. Helps to be healthy. Not only ourselves but also to family and other people in the world.

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4. Good and lasting sleep

Even though sleep seems to have nothing to do with the environment, But while waking up Humans need to rely on various resources such as food, electrical energy, and fuel. These correspond to the time of awakening. The less we humans sleep, the more we sleep. The more natural resources are consumed.

In addition to using resources during waking hours Poor quality sleep and insufficient duration It also results in a risk of various illnesses such as increased body weight. cardiovascular disease Mental health problems and a weakened immune system There is an increase in patients in the healthcare system. This increases medical waste. that includes infectious waste, sharp objects, and chemicals radioactive substances Improper waste disposal Can cause contamination to the environment. and incineration requires high temperatures. Sustainable quality sleep So it's not just about taking care of your own health. But it's about taking care of the environment at the same time.

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5. Volunteer activities help create a happy mood.

In surveys of their feelings about climate change, most people say they have Concern, Guilt and Skepticism, all of which are related to a lack of understanding about environmental stewardship. Building people's confidence Therefore, we must rely on passing on knowledge and understanding about sustainability. Including creating a good attitude To join together in creating a sustainable future

surrounding environment Affects mental health and people's emotions are very If the environment is good and there is little pollution, the mind will be clear. Stress is reduced. Volunteer activities It is another option that helps take care of the environment, whether it is planting trees. Collecting garbage along rivers, canals, beaches, or roads. Helping to separate community garbage. Including activities to raise awareness about the environment. along with passing on correct knowledge

These activities In addition to helping the world It also gives us the opportunity to build relationships with people. Studies have indicated that when doing volunteer activities, the Mesolimbic System or Reward Pathway in the brain is stimulated. This system responds to natural rewards. By releasing feel-good neurotransmitters such as Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins (DOSE), it positively affects our mood.

good health habits Towards a sustainable way of life

Sustainable health behaviors, such as eating nutritious foods Exercise regularly Being in a place with fresh air quality sleep and always in a good mood It is a health promotion behavior that is consistent with reducing greenhouse gases. which is known to contribute to climate change.

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If the health promotion guidelines was appended to Promoting sustainability It will be able to help promote the health of the population. along with improving the quality of the environment Achieve sustainable development

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Doctor Amp said: “That people have good health It will help facilitate social development. Because if people are strong and less sick, they will be quality workers. In addition, if social and environmental conditions are good, the air is clean, healthy food is easily accessible, it helps promote people to have better health.”

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“Health care Not just for ourselves But for the sake of our loved ones and the world, let's join together to build a healthy and sustainable society together.”

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With best wishes from BDMS Wellness Clinic

LINE: @bdmswellnessclinic

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Reference source

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