Perspectives in Public Health

Growth and health depend on food. You are what you eat. Cultural eating habits are based on low cost and availability of a food in local market. Religious restric tions on a particular food are meant to prevent moral, psychological and physical harm. In English food; excessive use of chips may lead to obesity and heart disease. Low fibre with high fat may contribute to cancer colon. Bangladeshi rice eaters may develop 'post bulber duodenal ulcer'. Japanese raw fish diet may predispose to cancer of the stomach. Asian chapati diet may cause rickets and osteomalasia. Vegetarians may get iron deficiency anaemia. An Indian vegetable 'karela' in a curry may potentiate the action of chlorpropamide (diabenese) and lead to prolonged hypoglycemia result ing in fainting or coma. A Jamaican native dish of delicacy 'ACKEE' if cooked unripe can kill.

This paper deals with such clinical points for a busy doctor and practical tips for other health workers who care for multi-ethnic groups in the U.K.