May 2008 Issue
Think back to when you were a child. You were like a sponge eagerly absorbing everything around you. Your childhood experiences shaped who you are today—what you like to do, how you relate to the world and the foods you like to eat.
One of the students in our Professional Training Program recently told me a great story about one of her clients, Sue, who grew up in Okinawa, Japan. Sue was raised eating a lot of traditional foods like rice, vegetables, fish and also chicken and beef. Her parents are in their 80s and very healthy and still eat mostly traditional foods.
She was most struck by Sue’s description of the lifestyle in Okinawa. She said that even today they have a very stress free life—they don't hurry and they don't worry. The elderly are revered and loved. Children are taught to be loving and respectful of elders.
On her last visit home, Sue witnessed school children greeting an old woman on the street. They spoke to her sweetly, like she was their own grandmother. Sue said you wouldn't see this happen in other more modern parts of Japan.
It would feel very different to grow up and get old in a society like this one, with a strong social support system and less stress.
Diet is only part of the picture when looking at cultures with good health and longevity. We all form our habits at a young age. If you have children or work with children, you know how they look up to us.
If we want a healthier future, we can start at home, in our own communities, with our own children. As Gandhi said, "be the change you wish to see in the world."
Joshua Rosenthal, MScEd
Founder and Director
