1 minute read
Key Themes
The impact of modern life is a complex area of human health, and one with some startling statistics:
Globally between 2020 and 2030 physical inactivity will result in almost 500 million new cases of preventable non-communicable diseases1 (NCDs) and mental health conditions. (World Health Organisation 2022)
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Human sperm counts have halved in the past 50 years. A change occurring so universally and rapidly, it cannot have a genetic evolutionary basis but rather must be environmentally induced. (Aitken 2022)
Encompassing both causes and effects, the initial themes I will consider include:
• Inactivity
• Diet
• Stress
• Joy
• Fertility
• Sleep
• Time
1 Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, tend to be of long duration and are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioural factors. The main types of NCD are cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes.
A thematic approach is helpful in providing some structure as I commence this work. I do, however, recognise that the themes and impacts are inter-related and should not be viewed in isolation.
Whilst this project is autobiographically inspired, my research will take a more objective approach. By extending my research beyond my own personal experience, I aim to produce a broader, more inclusive body of work for a diverse audience.
