Rural doctor Tapani Kiminkinen, from Saarijärvi, is known around the country for his popular and direct take on health issues in Finland.
Lifestyle has a huge impact on human health, and it’s never too late to start improving our habits. Kiminkinen’s mantra is that our own free time, friends, relationships and nuclear family are to be treasured. Simple things like making packed lunches and maintaining physical fitness dictate what we are.
“Man is a herd animal, and therefore, it is important to belong to a group,” says the well-being guru. “If the safety net isn’t in shape it’s awfully hard to see something positive in life.”
Know your stats
Many middle-aged people come to the reception desk and want to get every possible test, says Kiminkinen. However, two important values already say a lot, he adds.
“Every Finn should know their own blood pressure and cholesterol levels," says Kiminkinen. Arteries don’t get clogged without bad cholesterol levels and hypertension should be treated.
Also, people should realise the risks of their own behavior, he adds. They should be clear on their own genetic heritage and the risks of alcohol usage. Half of all smokers die of tobacco-related diseases.
It comes down to the fact that you can do a lot for your own health yourself, emphasizes the doctor. Keeping your weight under control, keeping active and staying positive will generally do a lot to keep the standard genetic risks at bay.
“If you have a family history of coronary heart disease or type 2 diabetes, you should pay attention to what you eat and drink,” he says.
Tapani Kiminkinen's other catch cries are not unusual, but retain their relevance: Out with cigarettes, go easy on the fatty foods, and stay moving.