By Dr. Fauzia Khan
In a world increasingly overwhelmed by environmental degradation and lifestyle-related health issues, there is an urgent need for a collective awakening and action. The air quality is deteriorating at an alarming rate, contributing to a myriad of health problems. The food systems and dietary choices are under scrutiny for their role in the rise of chronic diseases. And unsustainable lifestyle choices like drinking and smoking, emanating from the pressures of modern living are further exacerbating the harms to human life.
The question facing us today is not just about individual well-being but about the health and sustainability of our society as a whole. How do we, as a global community, respond to the environmental crises that threaten our existence? What steps can we take to reverse the tide of lifestyle-induced health issues that are straining our healthcare systems and affecting the quality of life of millions? It is about finding sustainable solutions that acknowledge the complexities of these lifestyle choices and the challenges people face in making sudden absolute changes while addressing the larger issues of environmental and public health.
Unveiling the Magnitude of the Existential Crises
The environmental crisis we face today is multifaceted, with air pollution being a prime contributor. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that around 90% of people globally breathe polluted air, which is directly linked to an estimated 7 million premature deaths each year. The impact of this pollution extends beyond respiratory issues, contributing to major health concerns such as heart disease, stroke, and an increased risk of neurological disorders.
Parallel to environmental issues are our dietary choices, which are causing alarming health implications. The global shift towards diets rich in processed foods and high end sugar consumption has led to a surge in lifestyle-related diseases. The WHO identifies poor diet as a major contributor to chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and pulmonary disorders, responsible for approximately 11 million deaths annually.
These health concerns, once predominantly associated with Western countries, are now increasingly India’s own. The country’s rapid urbanisation and industrialisation, coupled with lifestyle changes, are converging to create a public health scenario that requires urgent and sustained intervention. As India navigates this complex landscape, the lessons and experiences of the West might offer valuable insights, but the solutions will undoubtedly need to be tailored to India’s unique context and needs.
Embracing Small Steps for a Bigger Transformation
‘Boond boond se sagar banta hai’ (every drop contributes to the ocean) – this age-old Indian saying captures the essence of the ‘Conscious Shift Strategy’, a formula highly pertinent for India as it navigates its environmental and health challenges. It is about the collective power of small, consistent changes leading to significant impacts.
Imagine a day in the life of a typical Indian family, where this Conscious Shift Strategy can come to life. The morning begins in the kitchen, the heart of every Indian home. Instead of the usual high-sugar breakfast cereal, the family opts for traditional Indian dishes made with whole grains. The sugar in their morning chai is replaced with a healthier alternative, perhaps jaggery or honey. These are small changes, but across millions of kitchens, they can accumulate into a powerful force against the rising tide of lifestyle diseases.
As the family members step out into the bustling streets, the narrative of change continues. The father, who once relied on his petrol-guzzling scooter, now rides an electric bike. The choice is simple but can be a significant step towards reducing the smog that blankets the city’s skyline, a move echoed by thousands of others, collectively clearing the air, one commute at a time.
In fact the story of the Conscious Shift Strategy can extend beyond diet and transportation into more complex realms, such as the deeply ingrained habit of tobacco use. In this chapter, the family’s patriarch, struggling with this habit, can find solace in less harmful alternatives. It is a subtle shift, yet it can significantly lower the health risks not just for him but for those around him as well.
This Conscious Shift Strategy doesn’t call for a radical departure from the existing way of life but a return to its essence, enriched with mindful, modern adaptations. This envisaged future is not just a hopeful scenario; it is a realistic and achievable trajectory. These choices, mirrored by millions across the country, can transform the nation’s health and environmental landscape, proving that the philosophy of small changes is not just an ideal but a practical, effective route to sustainable development.
(The author is a Nationalist Congress Party MP in Rajya Sabha. Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of the FinancialExpress.com.)