According to ‘Visionofhumanity.org’ New Zealand is the most peaceful country in the world. As a New Zealander, this is nice to know. We have also been ranked as the least corrupt country in the world. BUT, having said this, we are certainly not the healthiest country in the world! In New Zealand, as in most western countries, there is still minimal emphasis on disease prevention and a reliance on trying to ‘fix the problem’ after the event. This of course will never work.

The population is getting fatter and unhealthier, although there is a growing awareness among the general population of the need to look after your health before you lose it. However, in order to make real progress, there needs to be a shift in thinking at government level that encourages people to be responsible for their own health. When it deteriorates to the point that you need to see a doctor, then you have a serious problem which is sometimes impossible to put right.

If you are interested in having a look at where your country ranks on the ‘peace stakes’ click here.