Project

Problem & Solution

Many people today in the UAE are obese or seriously overweight. Why, and what can be done about it?

Introduction:

Obesity: in statistics

People are getting fatter almost everywhere in the world. The World Health Organization predicts there will be 2.3 billion overweight adults in the world by 2015 and more than 700 million of them will be obese. Figures for 2005 show 1.6 billion adults were overweight and 400 million were obese. People are getting fatter almost everywhere in the world. The World Health Organization predicts there will be 2.3 billion overweight adults in the world by 2015 and more than 700 million of them will be obese. Figures for 2005 show 1.6 billion adults were overweight and 400 million were obese. Obesity is a modern problem - statistics for it did not even exist 50 years ago. The increase of convenience foods, labour-saving devices, motorised transport and more sedentary jobs means people are getting fatter.

BMI Explained

The body mass index (BMI) is the most commonly-used way of classifying overweight and obesity in adult populations and individuals.

(http://news.bbc.co.uk/)


So, growing obesity rates are a worldwide problem. It is a particular problem here in the UAE. In the past, most Emiratis lived a tougher, more nomadic existence, involving hard travel and physical labour. Today most live a softer, more sedentary life, travelling by car and holding desk jobs requiring little physical exertion. That these jobs exist is due to the rapid economic expansion over the past 40 years, since the discovery and exploitation of oil. In addition, many people today entertain themselves by watching TV or playing computer games, neither of which involves physical exercise. Even when they leave home, many Emiratis no longer walk; they drive everywhere and many seem to have an antipathy towards leaving their cars: for example, parking outside shops and tooting for service seems to be a local pastime. Finally, as well as traditional Arab cuisine, itself often quite high in fat and sugar content, there is today the widespread temptation and easy availability of high-fat and high-sugar fast food. McDonalds, KFC, Dunkin' Donuts,and various pizza chains are ubiquitous throughout the UAE. As a consequence, the UAE had the highest rate of diabetes in the world in 2007, with 19.5% of the population aged 20-79 affected ( The Economist, Pocket World in Figures, 2009, p. 84), with 17.1% of total male population and 31.4% of female population clinically obese, meaning a body mass index of over 30 (The Economist, Pocket World in Figures, 2009, p.87).

Suzanne Trease, Chair of the Department of Health & Physical Education at Dubai Women's College, blames a sedentary lifestyle for the rise of obesity in the UAE. "A lot of them [students] have things done for them," she said. Trease said that from observation, physical activity is not typically part of the Emirati culture and is therefore not instilled in children by parents. "If we start here with these ladies, hopefully the next generation will incorporate physical activity into their lifestyle." She added: "Physical activity is not encouraged for women here." She said she has observed that PE is not part of girls' development, and this is evident in their weak motor skills. "Basic motor and coordination skills are not there and if they are, they're not refined." Trease stressed the urgency of incorporating healthy living into UAE's lifestyle. "It's imperative we educate this generation and those to come, about healthy living because if we don't, life expectancy will grow even shorter. If you can walk moderately for 30 minutes a day and keep your heart rate above 130 beats per minute, that's a great start (Naidoo & Moussly, Gulf News 2009).

It is not just the food we eat but also what we drink that contributes to obesity. With more than 80 per cent of the UAE's adolescent and young women regularly downing fizzy drinks, they run a higher risk of becoming obese and getting osteoporosis later in life.These were the findings of a study conducted by Dubai Medical College students, titled ‘Health Effects of Soda Drinking in Adolescent Girls in the UAE'. The study was published in the international medical Journal of Critical Care. The students tested about 300 adolescents in the 10-22 age group from Al Raya High School, Al Sorouq Private School, Dubai Modern Education School and Dubai Medical College for Girls. "Soda drinking was associated with higher risk of obesity and decreasing levels of blood calcium and increasing urinary calcium excretion, which may lead to osteoporosis later in life," they concluded (Naidoo & Moussly, Gulf News 2009).

The solutions? The only viable long-term solution is education. At an early age, children should be taught the importance of two things: a healthy diet and regular physical exercise. A better diet involves not just choosing healthier ingredients, such as fruit and vegetables. Sauces and style of cooking need to be watched. A healthy salad becomes a less healthy option if coated in, say, mayonnaise. Fish and potatoes are themselves good nutritious foods, but less so if fried as fish and chips. Governments around the world can help by encouraging schools to teach nutrition seriously. Campaigns in the media to educate all sections of the population, especially parents, to eat healthily, can also help. Cars, TVs and computers are not going to disappear so the only viable solution is education to encourage better diet and more physical exercise.

920 words

Bibliography:

The Economist, Pocket World in Figures, 2009, Profile Books, London, 2009.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7151813.stm

Naidoo, Amelia, and Rania Moussly. "Youth Obesity: the UAE's Big Problem." Gulf News [Dubai] 13 Dec. 2009. Print.

Mass Media

The mass media certainly have great influence in shaping people’s ideas. A century ago, newspapers had most influence; then came radio, followed by television, possibly the most influential medium of the 20^th century. Whether the influence of these media will continue in the age of the internet is debatable.

In some countries, where the media are directly controlled or supervised by governments, their influence is a political issue. A free press is a vital part of any genuine democracy. Events during the Arab spring have shown, however, how difficult it is for governments to control what people think through state-controlled TV, radio and newspapers. The fact that nowadays almost everyone has either a mobile phone or access to the internet, or both, was a key factor in the political upheavals in North Africa. Even in free societies the media play a role in influencing public opinion.

How great is this media influence? In an open society people are free to buy and read whatever newspaper they choose and to select whichever TV or radio station they prefer. So while media influence is considerable, we must remember that in open societies people are free to form their own opinions and ideas. Some information I get from the media I agree with and some not. I am free to form my own opinions and therefore, in a free, educated, society, media influence is limited.

Will media influence change with the spread of modern technology? In one sense, the traditional media and, say, the internet complement each other. TV, radio and newspapers can all be accessed through the internet, increasingly with the use of mobile devices. On the other hand, people seem to be accessing information they want or need directly through the internet rather than from traditional media. Further change is the only certainty.

302 words.

Education after school

It is true that in many countries around the world the number of people continuing their education after school is increasing, It is also true that, with the recent rapid developments in information technology, more and more courses are being delivered electronically and/or by distance. Generally speaking these are positive developments.

There are, however, in some countries a few negative aspects of this educational expansion. Firstly, in countries which already have long-established and highly developed systems of higher and further education, such as Britain and the USA, some educationalists argue that increasing numbers means lowering standards. University education used to be for an elite of academically gifted students. If having a university degree becomes the norm it will mean that standards will fall. Furthermore, with the proliferation of universities has come a whole range of new courses, such as media studies, to cater for less gifted students. Students of such soft courses often find it difficult to find jobs after graduation.

On the other hand, in developing countries the expansion of higher education is a very positive development. The UAE is a perfect example, because forty years ago there was only minimal educational provision in any of the seven emirates. But over the past 25 years or so there has been, linked to the country’s rapid economic and infrastructural development, a phenomenal expansion of education at all levels, including post-school learning. The rapid growth of the Higher Colleges of Technology, with their emphasis on e-learning, over the past two decades is a perfect illustration of this. A well-educated and highly-skilled workforce is a necessity for any successful country, especially a rapidly developing one like the UAE.

In summary, there are a few negative points like those mentioned above. Some traditionalists fear also the impersonal nature of online and distance courses. However, the positive economic benefits of having a highly trained and skilled workforce far outweigh the negatives. There are also many social benefits: here in the UAE, for example, there has been a massive increase in the number of highly educated young women, which many see as vital for the future prosperity and development of the nation.

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Airline survey 2002

The pie charts show information from a 2002 survey of economy and business travelers, indicating the most popular in-flight features as rated by male and female passengers.

In economy, the main differences concerned service and space. Almost twice as many men, 49% compared to 25%, rated space as most important. With regard to service, 45% of females rated it as most popular, compared to only 25% of men. In business class, space was considered most important by both males and females, followed by service. In business class, there was no major difference in preferences regarding space, service and food and drinks. Movies were the least popular in-flight feature, rated by 9% of females and 3% of males.

The different preferences of males and females were most marked in economy class. The ratings in business class were very similar in all categories for both sexes.

144 words

Bar chart & table

Fishermen & fish exports.

The bar chart shows the number of fishermen in five continents in 1970, 1980 1nd 2000. The table shows the top ten fish-exporting countries in 2000.

Asia saw the biggest increase in numbers of fishermen. From 11M in 1970, the figure rose slightly to 14M in 1980, then shot up to 26M in 2000. In North America the number rose from 5M in 1970 to 15M in 1980, remaining exactly the same in 2000. There was absolutely no fluctuation in South America, where the number was 8M in all three years. In Europe the figure fell from 12M to 8M in 1980 then rose back to 12M in 2000. The figure for Africa fell from 12M to 9M to only 3M. Five of the top ten fish exporters in 2000 were Asian, as you might guess from the bar chart: Thailand was first, China fourth, Taiwan seventh, Indonesia and South Korea ninth and tenth respectively. Europe was represented by Norway, second, and Denmark, fifth. North America had the USA third and Canada sixth.

Two continents in the bar chart, South America and Africa had no countries representing them in the table.

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Table & bar charts

The table and bar charts show statistics on the use of information technology, worldwide, in 1999/2000.

The table shows figures for the world and for three regions, the EU-15, the USA and Japan. For the number of PCs, internet hosts and internet users the USA led the way, followed by EU-15 and then Japan. This was true for both numbers and percentages. Only with mobile phones did EU-15 lead the USA, both in numbers and percentages. The first bar chart shows the proportion of people using a PC and the second shows the percentage using the internet, both in 1999. Both charts give figures only for the EU-15. In each graph, the three Scandinavian countries and the Netherlands have the highest percentages. Countries further south have lower proportions, France, Greece and Portugal being in the bottom four in both charts.

The table shows the USA leading the way in terms of PCs, internet hosts and internet users, with Europe ahead regarding mobile phones. The two charts show Scandinavia and the Netherlands having the highest percentages for PC and internet use, Sweden being top in both categories.

Portfolio task 2

International travel is easier and more affordable than it used to be and nowadays many people move to new cities and countries to work or study.

Expatriates, however, face many challenges. Firstly, there is the problem of adjusting to a new culture, possibly with customs which may be very different, even alien. Furthermore, expats usually face the difficulty of living in a society with a different first language. Another problem for expats is being cut off from family and friends. This is especially challenging if you are alone, without immediate family members. In addition expats from poorer countries usually find themselves living in more affluent societies, with a higher standard and cost of living; this can lead to financial pressures, particularly for lower-paid workers, who may be exploited both by employers and by recruiting agencies.

What strategies can be used to deal with these challenges? Firstly, with regard to culture clashes, research the new country and its customs. When you arrive, look and learn and ask other experienced expats for advice; remember that this learning process never stops and adaptability is an important key to survival. With regard to language, learn the new first language if you can, but, if not, try to improve your English which is a worldwide language and often used as a lingua franca. If you are lucky enough to be accompanied by spouse and children, being separated from other family and friends is not so difficult to cope with. Even if not, keeping in touch is much easier nowadays with mobiles, Skype, etc. Lastly, social or financial mistreatment by employers or agents is the most difficult problem to deal with. There is no foolproof strategy to cope with this and return to your native country might, in the end, be the only viable solution.

These then are some of the major challenges facing expats and some of the best strategies to deal with them.

318 words.