Healthy habits for a good life are well-known to everyone. These include (1) maintaining a proper weight, (2) having a balanced diet, (3) exercising, (4) not smoking and drinking in moderation, and (5) getting enough sleep. People who maintain these habits tend to live longer and healthier lives. Additionally, healthy habits improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of cancer. However, very few Americans follow all five of these rules. So, what about Korean Americans living in the U.S.?

In recent decades, smoking and alcohol consumption rates have significantly decreased in the U.S. While South Korea has also seen a reduction in smoking rates by about 22 percent, the smoking rate among Korean men remains at 31 percent, one of the highest in the world. Alcohol consumption continues to be a problem in South Korea as well. Over the past ten years, 18 to 20 percent of Korean men and women have been reported to engage in binge drinking, leading to an increase in the proportion of alcoholics. According to the market research firm Euromonitor, South Korea has the highest rate of alcoholism in the world, more than four times that of the U.S.

Korean diets are generally considered healthier than American diets, as they are less likely to lead to obesity. While dietary recommendations continue to evolve globally, almost all experts agree that a healthy diet must include fruits and vegetables. However, both the U.S. and South Korea have seen a sharp increase in obesity rates over the past decade. In the U.S., the obesity rate has surpassed 40 percent. The recommended Body Mass Index (BMI) is between 20 and 25. In South Korea, while the obesity rate is lower, it still accounts for about 32 percent of the population. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that Asians maintain a lower BMI due to the higher risk of obesity-related diseases associated with a higher BMI. The BMI for Koreans typically ranges from 18 to 23.

Asians are known to engage in the least physical activity among all racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. The American Heart Association recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. Moderate-intensity activities include brisk walking, dancing, gardening, and doubles tennis, which can increase heart rates. Only one in five American adults is getting enough exercise, and particularly among Asian women, there may be a lack of awareness regarding the importance of regular physical activity.

Additionally, Koreans, especially during their teenage years, are reported to have the lowest sleep duration in the world. The optimal sleep duration is about 8 to 9 hours per day, and adults should aim for at least 7 hours of sleep. Getting less than 7 hours of sleep can lead to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neuro-cognitive deficits, and mental disorders. Koreans average about 6.5 hours of sleep per day, which is typically one hour less than Americans.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle comes with numerous benefits. Following at least four healthy habits can reduce health risks by about 66 percent. The benefits of a healthy lifestyle far exceed those provided by common medications like statins and antihypertensives, which only reduce health risks by about 15 to 25 percent. For individuals around the age of 50, a healthy lifestyle can increase life expectancy by 12 to 14 years.

Overall, just over 20 percent of Americans maintain at least four healthy lifestyle habits, and only 5 percent adhere to all five. While Korean Americans may have better dietary habits, they may have worse habits regarding sleep, exercise, smoking, and drinking. The Korean community needs to continue focusing on promoting these healthy lifestyle habits. The key to maintaining health is not just knowing how to do it, but actually putting it into practice.

Paul Han, MD  
President, Association of Korean American Medical Graduates (AKAM)

The Association of Korean American Medical Graduates (AKAM) is a volunteer organization based in New York and New Jersey dedicated to improving the health and welfare of the community. We focus on volunteerism, education, research, and mentorship for physicians and students interested in medicine. For more information, visit www.akam.org.