Opinion 51 | Guest Column

Toxic Loves

The current obesity pandemic cannot be fought with willpower.

By Mariana Conde

Eating for humans is not only a physiological function, it is one of the most rounded experiences of our existence. Not only does it provide basic sustenance to our body, but it is a multisensory experience full of surprises, pleasure, comfort, communion with others, creativity, culture and even history. It is to travel with the mind to the place where we first tasted a dish, perhaps to childhood, to that love with whom we shared a certain dinner or even a farewell meal that broke our heart (which we later repaired with some other favorite food that brought us comfort).

Preparing food, cooking, is for many a way to show our affection, to spend time with the people we care about; for others it is occupational therapy, a treat for our neurons and our imagination.

There is no other human activity that accumulates as many edges as eating.

Let's talk about death

When my mother's attending physician gathered my siblings and me together to ask us a difficult question, my stomach sank.

When we demand medicines in order not to take them: the paradox of adherence to treatment.

How many medicines end up in the trash after sitting in a drawer or drawer until they expire?

From Guatemala to Guatepeor

With a female scientist at the helm of the country, this is likely to be a great national project.

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