Spain is officially healthiest country to live in Europe

Despite its economic problems, Spain is still the healthiest place to live in Europe, and possibly the world, according to the medical journal Lancet, with an average of 70.9 years of healthy living, and a life expectancy of 81.4 years.

The medical journal, Lancet, states that according to the European League Table, which is comprised of data collected over a 20 year period, the healthiest place to live in Europe is Spain, which also beats many other countries in the world.

The country ranks number one for life expectancy with an average of 81.4 years, which is two years longer than people living in the UK. Spaniards' years in good health are also higher at 70.9 compared to 68.6 years in Britain. In fact the UK is way down the list in 12th place, behind Greece, Ireland and Germany.

The BBC quotes Professor John Newton, chief knowledge officer of Public Health England, as saying, "Despite some enviable recent success, for example on smoking, we in the UK need to take a hard look at what can be done to help people in the UK achieve the levels of health already enjoyed by other some countries. Central and local government, charities, employers and retail businesses all have a part to play."

The US isn't doing too well either, and is listed at number 17, with on average 67.9 healthy years and a life expectancy of 78.2 years.

Lancet has attributed a combination of factors to Spain leading in the results, including healthy eating (with the Mediterranean diet), the warmer climate and more walking.

The Guardian also said that the fact that Spanish families still care for ailing relatives is probably a major factor, with relatives taking daily meals to those in hospital. They say that premature deaths from falls are also low.

The BBC lists the full table of countries in order of healthy years and life expectancy at the end of their article. However, taking the top six healthiest countries we can see:

1. Spain: average healthy years - 70.9; life expectancy - 81.4

2. Italy: average healthy years - 70.2; life expectancy - 81.5

3. Australia: average healthy years - 70.1; life expectancy - 81.5

4. Sweden: average healthy years - 69.6; life expectancy - 81.4

5. Canada: average healthy years - 69.6; life expectancy - 80.6

6. France: average healthy years - 69.5; life expectancy - 80.9

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/345370

Spanish & World Revolution News 2011

UNITED FOR GLOBAL CHANGE OCTOBER 15TH

On October 15th citizens around the world will take to the streets to express outrage at how our rights are being undermined by the alliance between politicians and big corporations. From Democracia real Ya (Real Democracy Now) we invite you to participate in this peaceful protest by joining our call to action or by calling for other actions on this date. It is time to raise our voice. Our future is at stake, and nothing can hold back the power of millions of people when they unite for a common goal.

Democracia real Ya is a platform that originated in Spain to coordinate various civil mobilization groups. Under the slogan “We are not goods in the hands of politicians and bankers”, thousands of people took to the streets on May 15th to demand a more participatory democracy, to reject corruption in Spain’s political system, and to show our opposition to the austerity measures imposed on us. Following the success of that first demonstration, several movements emerged. Acampadas (tent cities) were set up in central squares across the country, much like the first occupation of Tahrir Square in Cairo. The acampadas gave rise to popular assemblies, where citizens shape their goals through an inclusive non-hierarchal decision making process. The May 15 movement soon expanded beyond Spanish borders and inspired actions in numerous cities around the world, including a mass demonstration against the Euro Pact last June 19th.

Pressured by financial powers, our political leaders work for the benefit of just a few, regardless of the social, human or environmental cost this may cause. By promoting wars for profit and impoverishing whole populations, our ruling classes are depriving us of our right to a free and just society.

That’s why we invite you to join this peaceful fight and spread the message that together we have the ability to change this intolerable situation. Let’s take to the streets on October 15th. It’s time for them to listen to us. United we will make our voices heard! Join the cause!