The news omits that these simple and accessible habits clash with a system that prioritizes cheap ultraprocessed food and cities without green spaces or safe sidewalks for walking. It is hypocritical to burden the patient with responsibility for their health when the work and urban environment robs them of time and resources to take care of themselves. The solution is for administrations to guarantee free access to fresh food, create pedestrian zones, and regulate advertising of unhealthy products, not for citizens to fend for themselves.
Big Data against the banana: technology that watches us, not cares for us 📱
While health apps remind us to drink water and count steps, supermarket and delivery algorithms push offers of frozen pizzas and sodas for two euros. Urban infrastructure, designed for the car, ignores the pedestrian. A poorly timed traffic light or a broken sidewalk steals minutes from your daily walk. Technology could map green areas and safe routes, but it prefers to monetize your health data. You don't need more wearables; you need streets where you can walk without dodging cars.
The miracle of walking among cars and pastry offers 🚶♂️
Sure, you can exercise: run between double-parked cars, jump over puddles on the broken sidewalk, and, while you're at it, dodge the supermarket cart blocking the way. Then, upon arriving home, TV advertising greets you: a burger for 3 euros. And the health app congratulates you on your 200 steps. Don't worry, tomorrow you can repeat the adventure. Of course, don't forget to meditate to reduce the stress of surviving the environment.