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Changing Life Style in Own Society

CHANGING LIFESTYLE AND ITS IMPLICATIONS

The general human tendency is always to follow the latest prevailing


fashion in all walks of life. Fashions keep changing depending upon the
shifting likes and dislikes of people. So too their lifestyles. What was top
fashion a few years ago is not considered so now, and the current fashion
trends yield place to newer concepts a decade hence.
In India, as elsewhere, the general lifestyle has changed a lot over the
years. There is no more the decades-long secluded and conservative
attitude among women. This is more than evident in their dressing style.
In fact, the current wave is from the unobtrusive to the exhibitionistic,
bordering on the narcissistic. The men folk too have a changed outlook
and follow a whimsical life pattern. The trend got intensified with the
complete disintegration of the traditional joint family system. The
resultant tiny,
independent family units
that remain cut off from
their moorings started
behaving in an
unorthodox and wayward
manner.

Another noticeable
feature of the emerging
situation is the keenness with which people from rural areas and small
towns migrate in large numbers to metropolitan centers seeking better
fortunes. There were days when the people were self-sufficient with
enough resources to fall back upon. But, as the family grew in size,
reducing the means of sustenance in the process, they felt constrained to
leave their hearth and home and settle forever in prospering cities.

Technology growth accelerated the migration process. The


ubiquitous computer, with an easier access to the Internet and advanced

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software facilities, has virtually transformed the industrial scenario at the


global level, throwing up enormous job opportunities for the young and
talented. It is but natural then for the technically qualified Indian youth to
prefer overseas employment. Nay, most of them are indeed crazy about
foreign assignments.

There is already a huge population of Indians and other natives in


several advanced countries, and the influx of job seekers into the UK, the
US, European countries, Japan and Australia continues unabated. This has
provoked the governments of these countries to initiate steps to check a
further flow of immigrants.

The US Senate, for instance, has set aside a landmark Immigration


Bill that would have paved the way for regularization of the status of 12
million immigrants, including Indians. The controversial Bill is unlikely to
be taken up by lawmakers before the Presidential elections of 2008. While
those Indians who have already settled in the US, which has proved a star
attraction for job seekers, seem safe in their foreign homeland, the new
upcoming aspirants find the going tough. What actually lure them are the
work culture and the high salary earnings in the US.

However, considering the success of the new personnel recruitment


approach of big corporates in India, the US job market may not remain
attractive for long. In contrast to the usual system of inviting applications
from candidates, Indian companies now rely mostly on campus interviews
for personnel recruitment. Leading universities and technical institutions
in the country are now agog with extra activity, with regular campus
interviews being held there by corporate majors, particularly software
specialists.

The staff chosen are offered almost similar salary and service
facilities as available with the firms in the US. This corporate strategy is

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expected to encourage Indian job seekers to remain within the country,


though this is not the right remedy for the malady.
Not that the permanent settlers, or rather the NRIs, in the US don't
have problems. One of their main concerns relates to the status of their
dependents, mostly senior citizens. There are two categories of
dependents who are in their advanced age: those who used to visit the
settlers periodically on temporary visa and those in possession of huge
property who can't leave the country of their origin because of their social
obligations. The former deserve special treatment, and the issuance of
permanent visa for them may be expedited. In both cases, however, the
parties involved -- the NRIs in the US and their dependents -- are
subjected to occasional pangs of separation.

The plight of the senior citizens who have already settled in the US
with their sons or daughters is no less pitiable. Having left India out of
compulsion, these dependents of NRIs often turn nostalgic about their
past life in their native soil to which they would never return. Some of
them get adjusted to the new set-up soon, while others take a little time
to get reconciled to the
new environment. Still
others find it extremely
difficult to move with the
times and curse
themselves as a
condemned lot.

All these elderly


persons need that extra
filial love and affection to keep themselves happy and contented at the
fag end of their life. Of course, there are a lot of temples and centers for
worship, and new ones with better amenities are coming up in areas
where there is big concentration of Indian population. Besides the usual
Indian annual and monthly festivals, special functions are held there with

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the usual mirth and pomp & revelry. The elders never fail to attend these
functions.

The society or association in charge of the housing colonies where these


senior citizens spend their last days have the additional responsibility of
arranging for special entertainment for them. Construction or provision of
a reasonably spacious entertainment hall on a rental basis is the right
solution. The project may be funded with the voluntary contribution of the
colony residents or through a marginal monthly fee levied on them by the
society. Resort may also be made to the County authorities to meet
shortage of funds for the purpose, if any.

The hall can be utilized for conducting variety entertainment


programs designed for the elders. Indoor games may be arranged for the
physically fit. The others who are less fortunate would watch the
proceedings with the usual gusto. Besides, multi-lingual sessions with a
special focus on promotion of different Indian languages as well as the
traditional customs and practices
may also be arranged for the senior citizens. Health maintenance should
also receive top priority. Since medical treatment involving huge insurance
coverage is very expensive, there is need to supply medicines and related
facilities at subsidized rates. The list of programs could include
sightseeing tours to places of interest far and near.

The entire administration has to be necessarily run on the lines of


the well-established old age asylums, the ultimate objective being keeping
the elders mentally and physically fit.

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LIFESTYLE AND ITS IMPACT ON MODERN SOCIETY

The lifestyle and buying trend in India has undergone a pragmatic


shift in the last 20 years or so. It is not just urban India which has ushered
in the change, but also rural India, where technology has transformed the
lives almost completely. This immense change in the lifestyle of the Indian
man, has been brought about due to the single decision to open up to
International trade, and undertake policies which could be called as the
Liberation Privatization and Globalization model, that had been ushered by
the present Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the finance minister in
1991.

India, with its huge population and consumer oriented policies, soon
became the destination of choice for the global investors. Soon, India was
introduced to fizz cans from global majors like Pepsi and Coke besides a
huge list of articles from the West. This, along with rising per capita
income brought about a change in the spending pattern of the middle
class Indian, both in the rural and urban areas. Television shows, which
had been blockbuster hits in the West, are found to be telecast in Indian
homes in their desi avatar. There has been a shift towards the free
flowing nature of lifestyle which is practiced in the west.

Yes it is apparent that a paradigm shift is taking place in consumer


behavior in India with a confident growing middle class asserting itself
this is a shame as this is eroding the pure culture, which once was the
pride of Indians with the delusional aspects of a debased and spiritually
empty Western model. India has been exposed to the full blow of western
culture, so much so, that today, children are shy or unwilling to touch the
feet of their elders, which used to be an involuntary action in times gone
by!

This may seem innocent to those who are concerned solely with
making profit. But, in order to make a sustainable, holistic and rooted

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progress in India, which will be able to realize the projected 30 year boom,
it will require sensitivity to cultural idiom. If this subtle, yet extremely vital
metaphysical notion is understood by those who are responsible for
progress in India, it will certainly result in permanence of all round
progress and not progress in fits and starts as is seen today. Western
capitalism is near dead and the admittedly paradoxical new wave of
Indian social(ist) capitalism has begun and this alone can propel India to
the very top of economic prowess.

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LIFESTYLE CHANGES IN INDIA OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS

With thousand year old cultures and diverse ancient regimes, Indian
lifestyles have always been fascinating. In recent times Indian lifestyle
had seen a gigantic shift with the intervention of modern routines in
upbringing. The shift is overwhelming as well as saddening at the same
time. Why? Well! Because this change in Indian lifestyle has caused the
old Indian values to loose luster and at the same time has allowed coming
face to face with the boons of having a contemporary way of life.

DIMINISHING RITUAL BELIEFS AND VALUES

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Indian children back in times were awakened in the morning to


prayers in adoration of a deity. Worshipping was a very important
part of Indians life. India in that matter is well renowned for its
diversity in religious beliefs and practices. The culture of
worshipping seems to be declining among the new generations as
they are picking up the modern age philosophies of personal choice
and freedom of discovering their religion on their own.

THE BLUEMOON SAREES

With changing trends and styles in Indian attires, wearing a saree


has become limited only to special occasions. Adaptation of western
fashion in India has been evident in the country and we are also not
unaware from the growth of fashion industry in the last years.
Nowadays pants, shirts and tops are the casual attires in womens
clothing contrary to the salwar kameez and churidaars in older
times. The dressing patterns of Indians have been apparent. Even
though Indians have welcomed the western fashion whole heartedly,
the grace and harmony of a saree remains unbeatable.. Maybe
thats why they are now preserved for special occasions (winks!)

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IMPOSSIBLE says I AM POSSIBLE

What once was considered impossible in India has now become a


pleasing reality. Women in India were considered only as
homemakers and their abilities were judged only fit for performing
household chores. Though these mindsets lag back to sixty years
ago and womens positing in society, education, their economic
position has significantly changed after 1960s. The kitchen keepers
have profoundly emerged as nation builders and now the
commanding members in the family are women also. They have
found space, voice and immense respect in the male dominated
world and now they rub shoulders with men in various fields. The
new horizons for womanhood in India has been found but a lot
needs to be done and the good news is Indian women are
unstoppable!

TECH SLAVES

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Advent of numerous technologies into our daily lives has sadly made
us lethargic and inevitably dependent. Just like other parts of the
world, Indians too have technology controlling their lives remarkably.
Technology has apparently become a dominant part of our daily
lives because of which the gully cricket has now been substituted by
Temple run or angry birds. Though there are countless pros of
technology due to which Indian lifestyle has been positively affected
but that had to be done against a heavy bargain on Indian cultural
aesthetics.

These were some ways in which Indian lifestyle has been affected
over the decade. I am sure if we take a look back into our lives ten
years ago, we will find out the fading demure of Indian principles.
Who is to be blamed or what reasons are to be quoted against the
transition, I dont wish to debate on that as there are multiple
dimensions to it. All I know is though the modern beautiful lifestyle
needs to be acknowledged but at the same time the Indian panache
needs to be kept alive.

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Indian lifestyles have always been an exciting topic all over the
world. With thousand-year-old cultures and diverse ancient regimes,
Indian lifestyles have always been fascinating. In recent times Indian
lifestyle had seen a gigantic shift with the intervention of modern
routines in upbringing. The shift is overwhelming as well as
saddening at the same time. Why? Well! Because this change in
Indian lifestyle has caused the old Indian values to loose luster and
at the same time has allowed coming face to face with the boons of
having a contemporary way of life.

FROM CHALK & SLATE TO TABLETS

My six year old cousin from Kerala knows how to connect the IPad to
Wi-Fi. He knows how to create a Gmail account too. This took me by
surprise. In fact it shook me from within as I recalled my struggle
finding the Caps lock button at the age of eleven. I couldnt make
out if this was a development or his juvenile innocence was being
taken away. Several schools across India have made a tablet
compulsory in school curriculum. All such actions have made kids in
India more informed about the technologies but at the same time
pointed out fingers on the education system.

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FROM PARANTHAS TO PAN PIZZAS

We have seen significant changes in food choices all over the


country. With globalization availing several foreign brands in our
markets, our food choices have altered. Indians have developed the
habit of consuming processed food. KFCs and Mc Donald have
become obligatory. The office lunch boxes have been replaced with
thirty minutes delivery from Dominos. This has caused growing
concerns in national health. India now ranks third in highest obesity
rate in the world. Well! Whatever the state is, there is no
disagreement with the fact that Ghar ka Khana will always be a
fondness.

CHANGED FAMILY SYSTEMS

Indian traditional system of living in joint families from two to twenty


members is not much opted today. Indians are deciding on nuclear
system of living. The prevailing tradition of the joint family system
or undivided family has seen a switch over the past decade. The
historic practice of living in joint families is though present in many
parts of the country but the youngsters are choosing for more
freedom oriented style of living prevalent in nuclear family lifestyles.

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LIFESTYLE CHANGES, LONG-TERM BENEFITS

We live in a quick-fix society. We want instant results with minimal


pain, effort and sacrifice. When it comes to our health and appearance,
were accustomed to looking for a pill or procedure, and many doctors are
quick to prescribe them. But if the root cause of the problem or challenge
is not addressed, drugs, surgery and treatments can simply mask the
underlying issue, leading to more of the same a vicious cycle.

We live in a quick-fix society. We want instant results with minimal


pain, effort and sacrifice. When it comes to our health and appearance,
were accustomed to looking for a pill or procedure, and many doctors are
quick to prescribe them. But if the root cause of the problem or challenge
is not addressed, drugs, surgery and treatments can simply mask the
underlying issue, leading to more of the same a vicious cycle.

Also, every drug, treatment and procedure has potential side effects
and risks that can often be worse than the issue it was intended to treat.
This includes cosmetic treatments, over-the counter meds and so-called
natural products. Certain procedures are often lifesaving and life-
improving. However, without accompanying lifestyle changes, the
treatments may be minimally effective, if at all. More important, many
issues can be solved simply by lifestyle changes alone. So how can
changes make you look and feel better? Read on you may just be
surprised.

QUIT SMOKING

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In addition to the numerous (albeit preventable) well-documented


health risks, cigarette smokers are more prone to premature aging of the
skin. Smoking can also result in dull, lifeless hair, and even premature
graying and balding. If quitting cold turkey hasnt worked for you, consider
attending smoking cessation programs, using nicotine patches, trying
hypnotherapy and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation
(See my previous post, Meditation Not Your Thing? Debunking the Myths).

LOSE WEIGHT

Joint replacement surgery has become increasingly prevalent. And


while age and other factors put natural wear and tear on joints, excess
body weight is a major contributor. If you wind up having joint
replacement surgery, that excess weight can cause complications during
and after surgery and may prolong your recovery. Consider consulting a
dietician or nutritionist (your insurance may pay for this), attending
weight-loss group meetings, and keeping a food diary to shave extra
pounds and develop healthy eating habits.

GET PHYSICALLY ACTIVE

Physical activity improves your appearance, memory, mood and


sleep patterns, and it staves off cardiac disease and brittle bones. Better
yet, exercise doesnt have to be drudgery. Consider taking a line-dancing
class, swimming at your community rec center, getting on a bowling
league, joining a walking club or regularly playing Frisbee with your kids or

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dog. Consider working with a personal trainer even for one session (many
gyms offer free training sessions when you join) to develop a routine that
works best for you.

STAY HYDRATED

Even mild dehydration can cause mental confusion, elevate your


blood sugar and cause headaches, muscle weakness, fatigue and
dizziness. Our entire body brain, heart, joints, muscles needs water to
function properly. Unless you are on fluid restrictions for health reasons,
drink up (preferably caffeine-free, unsweetened beverages). And be
careful not to consume too many artificially-sweetened drinks either, as
the additives can cause serious side effects, including palpitations,
headaches and ringing in the ears.

DEVELOP GOOD SLEEP HABITS

Most Americans are sleep-deprived, and many use prescription


sleep aides. Chronic lack of sleep affects moods, clarity of thought, weight
control and more. If you have trouble sleeping, restrict caffeine intake,
especially 8-12 hours before bedtime. Also, turn off the computer and TV
at least an hour before bedtime, and lower the lights in your environment
so that your body can naturally produce melatonin, which stimulates
sleep. Develop a bedtime routine such as reading, journaling, meditating
or taking a warm bath or shower just before sleep. Most adults should get
7-8 hours of sleep every night.

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MANAGE YOUR STRESS

Excess stress affects your skin, hair, creativity, happiness and


productivity. Most of us cant eliminate the stress in our lives, but we can
counteract its effects. Meditation, yoga (even for the elderly and
disabled), aerobic exercise, hobbies, socializing and an occasional change
of scenery are all great ways to unwind and de-stress. Making small
changes today will improve your life in numerous ways tomorrow

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PROBLEMS OF MODERN LIFE-STYLE

To specify the task of "SCIENCE OF LIVING" first of all let us


identify the basic and burning problems of modern style of living all the
world over. The Science of Living is evolved in such a way that everyone
who would learn or master it will be able to accept the challenges met
with in his individual as well as social life, national or international affairs.
We may enlist them here in brief

(1) TENSION - Physical, mental, emotional

(2) HEALTH PROBLEMS - Physical, mental and emotional diseases


(including psychosomatic disorders)

(3) ECOLOGICAL POLLUTION/RUPTURE IN OZONE LAYER

(4) DISTURBED FAMILY RELATIONS

(5) VIOLENCE AND CRUELTY

(6) CORRUPTION / DISHONESTY / IMMORALITY

(7) DRUG-ADDICTION

(8) NEGLECT OF LAW & ORDER AND ETHICAL, MORAL AND SOCIAL
DISCIPLINE

(9) ARMAMENTS/NUCLEAR WEAPONS (MILITARISM)

(10) EXPLOITATION

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Lest the list become endless, we shall confine ourselves only to the
acute/major problems besetting the human race.

After identification of these problems, we have to reflect on their


causes. The following seem to be the main culprits in creating these
problems :

(a) Degeneration of faith in basic values of life.

(b) Utter materialistic outlook.

(c) Excessive proclivity for ease and comfort.

(d) Hedonistic tendencies / Neo-culture sensualisrn.

(e) Unbridled desires / cravings / ambitions.

(f) Lack of compassion and spirit of service.

(g) Lack of self-discipline / self-control.

(h) Excessive greed / Possessiveness / Acquisitiveness Money-


mindedness.

(i) Utter selfishness.

(j) Over-industrialization.

(k) Over-urbanization.

(1) Over-population.

(m) Over-busy life (time-stress).

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There are some fundamental causes responsible for the above :

(1) Distortion of neuro-endocrine system.

(2) Lack of value-education.

(3) Unbalanced educational system; input is incomplete; there is merely


preaching-oriented education (without the practical technique for
attitudinal change and behavioural modification).

(4) Enfeebling of innate vital force (Prana), resulting in the weakening of


will-power and tolerance.

Science of Living is a solution to all these problems. It is a happy


blending of ancient and modern sciences, or, in other words, the synthesis
of the ancient wisdom and the modern scientific knowledge for developing
an integrated personality through attitudinal change and behavioural
modification. It is a positive resolve for creating a healthy human society -
healthy in all respects physically, mentally and emotionally. It is a
technique of training people from al1 walks of life in awakening of innate
powers. It is useful for various departments of public administration
including all government agencies. The widest application of the Science
of Living is in the field of education, both formal and informal. Here we
shall discuss the Science of Living as an innovation in the field of
education hitherto unconcieved.

It is obvious that the main purpose of education should be


character-development, mental equilibrium and peace of mind. Alas, this
purpose has been entirely ignored by the educationists. The present
system of education does possess elements which are efficient enough to
develop the intellect and talent potential. If this was not so, how could it
have produced scientists, engineers and doctors? But, inspite of becoming

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an expert in one's respective field by education, one does suffer from


enormous mental tensions, because he has not been taught how to relax.
A very learned person may be full of psychological distortions such as
cruelty, retaliation etc. We may be surprised when a talented scientist
commits suicide, say under the unbearable stress of jealousy or
despondency. We would be justified in asking: Did this highly educated
person not learn to maintain emotional equilibrium during stress condition
? Does our educational system contribute anything at all to prepare the
future citizen to learn to relax and maintain mental equilibrium and peace
under the present stressful conditions ? It is abundantly clear that we shall
have to supplement and enrich the present system with such training that
can reinforce the student's reasoning mind, increase his capacity for
bearing stress instead of buckling down, and help him to subdue fear,
hatred, jealousy and lust.

Man's mental attitude is the base for his behavioural pattern. All
attitudes can be grouped under two categories - positive and negative.
Modern psychology has analysed various attitudes and the following table
gives both types of attitudinal activators with their corresponding results :

EFFECTS OF MODERN LIFE STYLE

Nobody can ignore the usefulness of modernization on our daily life,


especially on how much it makes life of humans easier. This is particularly
correct about the new evolution of the new development of medicines,
vaccines that save people from the fatal endemic diseases. On the other
hand, Modern life style becomes more and more an important factor
influencing health state of most developed countries. Unhealthy behaviors
responsible for increasing the mortality of the cardiovascular, cancers,
diabetes, and respiratory diseases. There is increasing evidence that

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following a healthy lifestyle including appropriate diet, satisfactory


physical activity level, and healthy weight can provide significant
cardiovascular and metabolic benefits. From that we come to a conclusion
that different modern life style patterns affect our health physically,
psychologically, and socially. The main life style patterns that are going to
be discussed in this research are the use of high technology machines,
fast foods, advanced transportation, and the use of the computer
including internet and video games that is being used by almost every
member of the family.

The way people eat today is far different the way people ate before.
Hundred years ago people used to include a lot of fruits and vegetables in
their diet. This gives a lot of nutritional value to their meals, and
decreases the risk of getting cardiovascular diseases which is related to
the less fat content of these foods. These days people have very bad
nutritional habits, especially with the fast widespread of fast food culture
particularly between young people which they continue to carry on the
same eating habits in their adulthood. According to Shepherd et al.
(2001), the promotion of healthy eating is high on the health policy
agenda in the UK.They mentioned that young people are particularly
important group, as poor eating habits established during teenage years
may be maintained into adulthood, creating a number of cardiovascular
and other health related problems later in life. Ed Edelson (2009)
mentioned in his article" that data from 2003-2006 shows that 11.3
percent of children and teenagers were at or above the 97th percentile in
body mass index for their age". This shows that overweight teens have a
70 percent chance of becoming overweight adults (Para.6).The reason for
people's poor eating habits is the less time provided by them to prepare a
healthy food which probably would take time. Furthermore, people don't
spent enough time to eat and choose correct and healthy meals.

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Everyone is just busy in building their future ignoring the fact that
this might be interrupted by diseases caused by their poor eating habits.
Other reasons include the need for both the man and women to join the
work field. This means that the women will be away from home for long
hours and depend on the fast foods to feed her family. Therefore, children
will acquire this habit and they won't be able to differentiate between
healthy and unhealthy food. In addition to poor eating habits, lack of
physical activity is a major problem in this today's life. That is, if it is
together present with the high consumption of fatty foods, they will lead
to disastrous effects on the person's health status. So, maintaining regular
exercise is good for the well being of an individual health and helps
prevent so many heart and metabolic diseases.

The use of modern technology makes living better and brings


certain advantages to people. Such advantages include fast
communication and improvement of travelling. Before, people use animals
to help them travel from one place to another which might take days to
travel. Now, we spend only few hours using the air planes which make the
journey easier. The use of new technology machines is also now in our
home. We do most of the house cleaning with machines, which actually
makes the life very easy. Every day a new machine is invented for human
use to ease their lives. According to Emmanuel Mesthene (n.d.),
"Technology is neither good nor bad, it is neutral"(page 12).This means
that technology can bring us luxuries, but it also can cause problems. It is
a matter on how the technology is used according to him.

Computer and internet are being introduced into most houses.


Although they have a lot of advantages, they have adverse effects on
people health. Jayashree, 2007 said "Internet has been perhaps the most
outstanding innovation in the field of communication in the history of

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mankind. As with every single innovation, internet has its own advantages
and disadvantages"(Para.1). According to her the advantages include
better communication, and faster way of getting information, and for
entertainment. The internet has made the world smaller; it also provides
services for people use. Children also now use the computers very widely.
It is even being introduced in the teaching curriculum of majority of
schools. They also use it in playing video games for their entertainment
and joy. Even a lot of adults enjoy the video games as well.

All of the past modern life style patterns lead to adopting sedentary
life style which combines eating high calorie diet and lack of physical
activity. Which are major risk factors for getting a lot of different diseases.
In my opinion, sedentary life style includes the wrong use of available high
technology machines and transportation as well.

Physical effects of modern life style patterns especially the fast


foods and the lack of physical activity increase the risk of getting
cardiovascular diseases. Acharia (2007), wrote in his article Modern Life
Style Could Damage Your Heart, "The modern lifestyle, which puts people
under constant stress, could severely damage major organs and lead to
heart attacks, kidney disease and dementia"(Para.1). Other diseases
caused by sedentary life style include type two diabetes mellitus,
hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Doctors said that sedentary life style is
a modifiable risk factor. This means that this risk factor can be prevented
and changed by following a healthy life style.

A healthy life style means healthy eating and regular exercising.


Obesity, which is a major health problem of industrialized countries, is a
result of following sedentary life style as well. A study done by

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Rodriguez,Nvalbos, Martinez, and Eschobar (2009)," results shows that the


highest levels of obesity associated with daily alcohol consumption,
greater consumption of television, and sedentary pursuit. A lower
prevelance of obesity is observed among those with active physical
activity". (Para. 1) Pollution caused by the use of high technology
machines and transportation contributes to many respiratory and skin
diseases as well. Furthermore, Herbert et al. (2009) study showed "that
so-called western lifestyle may contribute to the development of atopic
diseases". (Para. 1). Atopic disease means the hereditary tendency to
experience immediate allergic reactions such as asthma or vasomotor
rhinitis because of the presence of antibody in the skin or bloodstream.

The effects of modern life style on the psychological status of people


are still on research. But, most researchers agree that to some extent
modern life style indirectly impact psychosocial life of individuals. Experts
from university of Washington have warned that the way modern
technology has been breaking people's connections with the natural world
may give rise to a major psychological problem. One of these effects
includes increasing the stress level due to the so many obligations today's
person might take. Even though some degree of stress might be useful in
order to handle different problems we face every day. Chronic stress will
have effects on the person's physical state as it will lead to many
diseases. Raylopez, (2009) said in his article about causes of stress in
modern life style "In modern lifestyle, however, stressful stimuli are
continues and stress is daily, so the pressure builds up and eventually
causes damage to the body".(Para. 4). A healthy life style will have its
positive effects on the psychological status of the individual which will
directly affects his physical status as well. The use of high technology
machines will reduce person's self independence and make him depend in
doing his job on the machines. This will subsequently reduce the self
satisfaction. As doing a job on your own will make you more confident
about your abilities. Brendan, (2009) cited from lardie's research findings
in his article Depression Caused By Modern life style. Those findings are

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conclusive that "depression primarily stems from modern living: social


isolation, fast food laden diets, physical inactivity, sleep deprivation, and
less exposure to the outdoors". (Para.6) .Depression finally will damage
person's life physically and socially and will deprive him from his normal
life.

Socially, modern life style affects the social relationships very


strongly. Especially with the use of internet to chat with others. People use
internet messenger widely in their communication with others. This will
lead to social isolation as a result of spending long time on the internet. As
consequence, the person will isolate himself at home and deprive himself
from family and friends social gatherings. Using the internet may lead to
declines in visiting with friends and family. Irina, Robert, and Lee, (2004).
They mentioned also that frequent internet use has negative social
outcomes.

CONCLUSION

To sum up, different modern life style patterns affects our health in
different aspects physically, psychologically, and socially. I think that if the
people's awareness about these effects doesn't increase, this may lead to
dangerous consequences in the near future. Adopting this life style
patterns and especially sedentary life style for long time might threaten
people's life. If this happens then the community health will be affected
and we will be having high percentage of diseased and disabled persons.
Which finally reduce individual's productivity and development of their
own communities. The best way for reducing the effects of these modern
patterns of living is by educating people about its effects on their lives.
Particularly concentrating in educating children as changing the way these
children live will affect future generations coming after them as well.

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Changing Life Style in Own Society

Another part of resolving the problem is the proper use of high technology
machines and advanced transportations. Such proper way means correct
use in benefiting the humanity not affecting it and increasing the self
dependency in doing different tasks of the day. Promoting healthy life
style which includes proper eating, physical activity, and better way of
communicating and socializing in the community will have its positive
impacts. Furthermore, it will reduce the risk of getting so many diseases
which cardiovascular diseases and cancers are at the top of them. Finally,
maintaining people's health is a primary goal of any country that probably
would make her spend millions of dollars to achieve it as people are the'
real wealth of a country'.

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