Where you live and how you view your neighborhood may put you at risk of obesity. That is what a recent study across Europe has discovered.
A four-year, 3.7-million-euro study found that how people viewed their neighborhood “is strongly related to your health behavior and your risk of developing obesity.” Analyzing data from nearly 6,000 people in Paris, London, Ghent, Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Budapest, researchers found that levels of physical activity, self-rated health, happiness and neighborhood preference were associated with how residents perceived and lived in their neighborhood.
Those who lived in socio-economically deprived areas saw their neighborhood as less conducive to healthy behaviors than residents of more affluent areas. This is true in the Philippines where people in poorer neighborhoods face more health risks.
“Higher levels of social network and social cohesion were associated with better self-rated health, lower odds of obesity and higher fruit consumption, although these social factors were also associated with longer periods spent sitting and less transport-related physical activity,” said the research, published in a series of papers in a special issue of Obesity Reviews.
Lead researcher Jeroen Lakerveld of the VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam said the findings showed that urban planners and policymakers had a responsibility to ensure that neighborhoods they designed and the facilities and businesses in them would promote healthy behavior. The issue co-editor, Dr. Harry Rutter of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said: “We have known for some years that where a person lives will affect their health, and now we can see more clearly exactly how that happens in practice, and what we need to do about it.”
Authorized resellers
Daiso Japan advises consumers to shop only at any of its 47 stores in the Philippines if they want authentic Daiso merchandise. The chain says there is only one Daiso Japan. Daiso Industries Co. has authorized Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI) as its exclusive retailer in the country.
In a final ruling, the Supreme Court gave RRHI exclusive rights to the Daiso trademark in the Philippines. RRHI plans to have 60 Daiso Japan stores by the end of the year. It opened recently Daiso Japan branches in Riverbanks, Marikina and Subic, Zambales.
Ikebana demo
The Ikenobo Ikebana Society of Manila No. 67 marks its 33rd anniversary with its annual exhibition March 10-13 at the Grand Atrium of Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City. This year’s theme is “Ikenobo PTL (Praise! Thank! And Love!)” to highlight the main purpose of Ikenobo Ikebana as a form of prayer. The event is open to the public.
The Ikenobo Ikebana Society of Manila started as a study group in 1983 and became chapter No. 67 in 1984. Ikenobo Ikebana demonstrations will be held March 12, 3-6 p.m., by Ikebana professors, doctors Divina Lupe Lazaro and Romeo Balderrama Jr. On March 13, 3-6 p.m., Ikebana professors Serapion S. Metilla and Joyce Kato will conduct demonstrations.
The exhibition committee is headed by club president Balderrama and trustees Milagros Robles, Maria Theresa Calunsod, Christina Abalos, Mary Co, Silvia Santos, Gina Onda and Dr. Divina Lupe Lazaro.
Send letters to The Consumer, Lifestyle Section, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 1098 Chino Roces Ave. cor. Mascardo and Yague Sts., 1204 Makati City; fax 8974793/94; or e-mail [email protected]
