What is health? Health is a broad term that can be separated
into several dimensions, but I will only be talking about physical and mental
health.
Physical health in America is a goal, whereas in Italy it is
a lifestyle. In America, we have a symbol of beauty that we deem as health. We
deprive ourselves of certain foods, or follow extreme diets to fit this symbol
of health, shaming ourselves in the process. Italians have incorporated health in
their every day agenda, as opposed to some Americans who treat health as a
complementary factor in their life. During my time here, I have learned that
moderation is key. It does not matter if I look a certain way, it matters that
I am taking care of my body. From my personal observation, Italians have
mastered the art of balance between overindulgence and abstention. Due to the
proximity of locally owned businesses that line every street, Italians can
actively walk or bike daily. In addition to constant exercise, Italians eat
smaller portions and follow a four-meal system: breakfast (calazione), lunch
(pranzo), aperitivo, and dinner (cena), rather than constantly snacking. Throughout
the day or after a meal, it is common to get a small cup of gelato. The Italian
drinking culture is even done in moderation, as they usually have a glass of wine
to complement a meal rather than to get drunk.
Mentally, Italians have an August holiday dedicated to relaxation (Ferragosto). In “La Bella Figura,”
a book we read for our culture class, it states: “America’s doesn’t exist. In
the States they even invented rocking chairs, so you can keep moving while
you’re sitting still.” As Americans, we do not know how to enjoy a moment because
we are constantly doing something else. Take this program for example, we are
in a new country, but as Americans we are not here solely to enjoy Italy. We
are here to conduct research and take back our experiences for a bigger
purpose. When Italians take their holiday, they use the down time to refresh,
recharge, and utilize the full extent of their vacation. Italians view holiday
as a time to relive the stresses of work and ensure their mental well-being is
kept in balance. It would be safe to say that Italians take time to appreciate
their vacation.
Thank you for your observances of the Italian way of health in general. Often health is thought of as the absence of disease, yet it is so much more as you have shared. Americans didn't always consider food fads/diet ideas as we see today. In my opinion, it would seem that the whole Hollywood/glamour magazines ideal took hold perhaps in the 60's (as when much of American social change began) and with each new generation that has been the ideal that is presented. As a society speeds up in the pursuit of more/better/bigger/faster other things must fall by the wayside. Sadly, health both physical and mental may decline. It is wonderful that you are learning through experience that all of life presents us with choices and we can choose to live a slower, more balanced life. I had to smile at the books description of the rocking chair :) Invented probably in the 1700 it was an implement for soothing/calming one such as the cradle did for infants. I must confess, I use mine for just those times today.
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