“Preventing obesity and smoking can save lives, but it doesn’t save money,”reported researchers. “ It was a small surprise, for it is against the common belief,” said Pieter van Baal, who led the study. “But it makes sense. If you live longer, then your costs of the health system will be more.”
The researchers found that from age 20 to 56, fat people had the most expensive health costs. But on average, healthy people lived 84 years. Smokers lived about 77 years, and fat people about 80 years. Smokers and fat people tended to have more heart disease than healthy people. Therefore, in the long run, the thin and healthy group spent about $417,000, from age 20 on. Smokers spent about $ 326,000 and fat people $371,000.
“The result throws a bucket of cold water onto the idea, based on guesswork, that obesity is going to cost trillions of dollars,” said Patrick Basham, a professor of health politics. “If we’re going to worry about the future of obesity, we should stop worrying about its financial impact,” he said.
“The benefit of obesity prevention may not be seen immediately in terms of cost saving in tomorrow’s budget, but there are long-term gains,” said Baal. “These are often immeasurable when it comes to people living longer and healthier lives.” In the meanwhile, he said that governments should recognize that successful smoking and obesity prevention programs mean that people will have a higher chance of dying of something more expensive later in life.
“Lung cancer is a cheap disease to treat because people don’t survive very long. But if they are old enough to get Alzheimer’s(早年性痴呆症) one day, they may survive longer and cost more. We are not advising that governments stop trying to prevent obesity,” Baal said.” But they should do it for the right reasons.”
1.Among middle-aged people, whose costs of the health system is the most?A.Those who are heavy smokers. |
B.Those who are overweight. |
C.Those who are too thin. |
D.Those who are suffering from heart attacks. |
A.It turns out to be innocent. |
B.It comes from scientific studies. |
C.It is based on medical evidence. |
D.It has changed over the past years. |
A.reducing the risk of suffering cancer |
B.weakening obesity’s financial impact |
C.making sure of people’s long and healthy life |
D.reducing the money spent on medical programs |
A.A Recent Medical Study Shows the Truth about Health |
B.Preventing Obesity and Smoking May Cost More |
C.Obesity and Smoking Lead to Expensive Diseases |
D.Governments Change Attitude towards Obesity and Smoking |
A.which | B.that | C.there | D.where |
A.said | B.to say | C.having said | D.saying |
A.waters | B.watered | C.is watering | D.has watered |
Community Development Projects Overseas
The aim of Community Development Projects abroad in Temple Conservation, DIY and more is to improve poorer local communities. You can do them as part of your work experience, gap year or career break, or just as a volunteering holiday.
South Africa
Time: 1st, March — 31st, May 2024
Registration fee: $65
Maintenance/Handyman/DIY skills, this project would love to have you! The project is truly unique. You will assist an Animal Rehabilitation Center that desperately needs any help it can get and you will be benefiting the animals at the same time! And, of course, the location is very unusual. And finally, conservation are lovely people to work with!
Sri Lanka
Time: 1st, May — 31st, July 2024
Registration fee: Free
Buddhist Temple Repair and Construction, Project in Kandy
Rebuild and repair Buddhist temple in and around Kandy. This unique and fascinating project offers an opportunity to learn about Sri Lankan construction using traditional manual methods, without using modern machines.
Work includes construction, repairing temples, cleaning in and around temples, interacting with children and villagers and helping the Temples arrange Community Centers for the village youths. You will also assist with the repair of paintings and sculptures inside the temples.
Zimbabwe
Time: 1st, October — 31st, December, 2024
Registration fee: $120
Community Healthcare and Medical Project in Gweru gain basic medical experience in local clinics and play a role in HIV/AIDS education and awareness. You will be able to get involved in not only this clinic but others in the nearby area as well. You do not need to be qualified in any particular area. You will work with children from the ages of 3 to 6 years. It is a very worthwhile, enjoyable placement.
1.What is the aim of Community Development Projects abroad?A.To improve your work experience. |
B.To bring you a chance to travel abroad. |
C.To offer a meaningful volunteering holiday. |
D.To better underdeveloped local communities. |
A.People skilled in painting. |
B.People good at treating AIDS. |
C.People experienced in travelling. |
D.People expert at tending animals. |
A.It will all be done in modern method. |
B.It will involve using hands and strength. |
C.Experienced experts will direct the work. |
D.The village youths will help with the repair. |
A.health and medicine |
B.animals and resources |
C.food and environment |
D.community and education |
A.They require specific skills. |
B.They charge a registration fee. |
C.They have the same length of time. |
D.They need fluency in foreign languages. |
Hot pot, as a traditional Chinese folk dish,
The spicy hot pot featured in Sichuan is probably the most famous among the native Chinese. When
Though the flavor of Chinese hot pot varies from region to region, the dining customs are similar. Hot pot is
Improving Our Handwriting