Manabu Takano writes:

        Mr. Tanaka is typical of Japanese workers. He works in his office with his computer in a hole day without going outdoors. He also works too much time in a day and he is sensitive to his boss and other workers. To make matters worse, he doesn't have the time to consult with a specialist to give some pieces of advice about his health. So I'll try to think about his problems and to help Mr.Tanaka with his serious problems.

        The most serious problems is his LDL level. His LDL level is measured at 172 and it is very high. LDL is known as bad cholesterol. High levels of LDL in the bloodstream are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Because LDL makes some mass on the wall of artery, and this prevents blood flowing smoothly. Another serious problem is about his family. According to his medical records, his family has tendency to be diabetic. So, he has to pay more attention to diabetes. And next, I will try to solve his problems and give him answers. First, he must change his diet. Because he prefers fast food like hamburgers and he takes four or five cups of coffee every morning. Furthermore, he doesn't eat enough vegetables. He only takes vitamin supplements. Frankly speaking, these aren't good points in his diet.

        As I wrote in previous paragraph, he needs change his LDL level. So he should reduce taking red meat and take more fiber from fruits, vegetables, whole grains and so on, because fiber has a function to reduce LDL level. And he also should take vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables. I think he doesn't get enough vitamins and minerals. He is 29 years old, so his RDA of iron is 10 mg. Vitamins help the body turn food into energy and tissues, and minerals are needed for growth and maintenance of body structures. So they are very important and essential for us.

        I have to say Mr. Tanaka to stop drinking too much coffee, too. Coffee includes much caffeine. It is a drug that stimulates the central nervous system, making you feel more energetic. Furthermore, it seems that caffiene causes any major long-term health effects. And I advise him to take breakfast everyday and to do moderate exercise. We can get energy to work or study from breakfast, but if not, we can't awake clearly and think about complicated problems. Moderate exercise is also important. It helps to reduce LDL levels and to release from stress of his work. In addition that, it makes his respiratory system better and it decrease his risk of heart disease. I suggest when he goes somewhere, he try to walk as long as possible.

        I have to answer his question about differences between carbohydrates and fats. Both of them are the body's main source of energy. But they pack different amount of energy. Each gram of carbohydrates provides 4 calories. On the other hand, each gram of fats provides 9 calories. So you should take care not to take too much fats. In summary, he should eat variety foods which contain all nutriments he needs on time everyday. And it is important to do moderate exercise and not to work too much time. I think it is difficult for him to do all these way, but he should do, or he will become serious situation.

         

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