I visited China for four weeks recently and was highly impressed by the politeness, respect and cooperation of Chinese people everywhere I went. The physical and structural development such as the transportation system was impressive, too.

But as a doctor, I was disturbed to see the early signs of a change in life practices, nutrition and urbanization that are driven by the economic and commercial practices of the West. Such practices have spawned degenerative and social diseases at the immense cost to the community. Chinese people should pay more attention to this transition.

Lindsay A. Green, via e-mail

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(China Daily 01/12/2011 page9)