Are humans less healthy now than before?

Professor Tim Noakes speaks with the magazine on scientific evidence that reveals whether humans are less healthy than we were in the past. 

According to Noakes, there is a common belief that, because of great strides in medical care, we humans are healthier today than we've ever been.

"But the scientific evidence tells a different story," says Noakes. "The United States of America ranks only 46th on the global life-expectancy charts and has experienced a falling life expectancy since 2014. 


Eating better means to live better

"There has never been a more important time to prioritise our health," says Dr Hassina Kajee, integrative physician and medical director of Nutrition Network.

The Big Issue chats to Kajee about how Covid-19 has brought health into sharp focus. Kajee tells the magazine that the reality is that our immune systems are in deep trouble.

"Excess sugar, nutrient depletion, stress, poor sleep, quick-fix medications and a fast-paced modern life have turned our bodies on themselves," adds Kajee. "If we want to be healthy, we must do what our bodies need. Deadlines, constant rushing and sacrificing sleep and nutrition are simply not what is best for our health." 


Here's the heart of the matter

Issue #292 and Dr Aseem Maholtra, a consultant cardiologist for the NHS in the United Kingdom, unpacks the relationship between physical fitness, physical activity and cardiovascular health.

Maholtra highlights that the relationship between physical fitness, physical activity and cardiovascular health has been a keen topic of research and political nuance since the 1960s. And it still remains a key factor to this day.


A new lease on life

Atlantis resident Percy de Leeuw shares with the magazine's latest edition his experiences as a chronic diabetic. He tells readers how his life has changed for the better since completing the Eat Better South Africa programme.

"Being a chronic diabetic and hypertensive, I was very disturbed to be educated about this only now, almost at the point of death," says de Leeuw. "But my journey with the Eat Better South Africa Banting group started in 2015."

"For six weeks, I was a faithful student, as this was a sacrifice that was worth making for my health. It was not easy, but worth every step," concludes de Leeuw. 

Issue #292 is on sale from vendors in Cape Town from Wednesday, 20 January to Friday, 19 February. Anyone outside Cape Town can buy the magazine here. 

You can also buy The Big Issue for smartphones here.

For more information, visit www.bigissue.org.za. You can also follow The Big Issue on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.