SPOTLIGHT
A hazard of politics
Politicians are prone to a number of ailments brought on by hard work and an unhealthy lifestyle, writes Kultida Samabuddhi
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Mingkwan Saengsuwan fainted at Post Forum 2008Think twice before taking a dive into politics. Not only because it is a career full of mudslinging and rivalry, but also because it appears to be a health hazard.
If that sounds irrational, take a look at the following occurrences.
- In 2002, the then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra suffered temporary loss of hearing and was hospitalised for a week. Health specialists came to the conclusion that frequent air travel and hard work were to blame for his ailment.
- Former prime minister Surayud Chulanont also suffered similar health problems last year when doctors diagnosed him with tinnitus, a discomforting sound in the ears that possibly stemmed from frequent air travel.
- In April 2005, Suvit Khunkitti, then information and communications technology minister, was rushed to hospital after falling unconscious. The cause of the ailment was a swollen blood vessel in his brain.
- During a cabinet meeting last October, then deputy prime minister and social development and human security Minister Paiboon Wattanasiritham fainted and had to be taken to hospital for emergency treatment.
- And last Monday, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Mingkwan Saengsuwan collapsed while delivering a speech at the Post Forum 2008. He had to stay overnight at the Police General Hospital and doctors attributed his collapse to overwork and low blood pressure.
Mr Mingkwan said yesterday that he has now fully recovered and would resume his work today.
"Politics is an occupation that contains as much of a health risk as any other careers," said Pannawish Wongwiwattananon, who specialises in rehabilitation medicine at Rajavithi hospital.
"Their work and lifestyle makes them prone to many serious diseases," he said.
Since politicians need to travel a lot to meet their supporters, preside over various events and activities, and attend many meetings, they are also forced to eat several meals a day and the food they take is not always good for their health, said the physician, who has conducted lengthy research on risk assessment for coronary artery diseases.
Politicians, especially elderly ministers, are at risk of at least five different ailments, he said.
They are syncope, or loss of consciousness due to a temporary reduction in blood flow and a shortage of oxygen to the brain; heart problems; stroke; and influenza and gastrointestinal problems.
Old age, lack of physical movement and exercise, insufficient rest, excessive carbohydrate intake, high blood pressure, which is always triggered by stress, and high cholesterol are significant factors that make politicians succumb to these ailments, he said.
"Smoking is another risk factor. Several ministers still rely on cigarettes to ease their stress, and I'd like to suggest that they should quit smoking right away," he said.
From his recent health observation of Samak Sundaravej's cabinet, Dr Pannawish said Prime Minister Samak looks to be most vulnerable person considering his large waistline.
"The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) for men should be 0.9. I'm quite sure that Mr Samak's WHR exceeds that standard," said the doctor.
He said the premier should avoid food saturated with animal fat and eat more fibre.
Sutham Saengprathum, a former Thai Rak Thai executive who is banned from politics for five years, is another politician whose WHR is likely to surpass the safety level.
"A pot belly is a sign, especially among men of 40 to 50 years of age. Ministers and politicians with big bellies should switch to a healthier diet and do more exercise," he said.
Asked about Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, Dr Pannawish said the 43-year-old was "still in good shape".
"I'm not worried about Mr Abhisit because he is still young. A man of his age normally has fewer health problems," he said.
Former deputy prime minister Paiboon Wattanasiritham, who fainted during a cabinet meeting four months ago, said he does not believe politicians face a higher health risk than people of other occupations.
"Any job can be equally harmful to our health if we over-exert ourselves," said the 66-year-old. "Even working as a social advocate can make you sick."
Mr Paiboon, however, conceded that being a politician was no joke and was "a tough career that consumes a lot of energy."
He said he was in good health at the moment and under no stress since the coup-appointed cabinet completed its term earlier this year.
© Copyright The Post Publishing Public Co., Ltd. 2008
