VOA标准英语2014--Olympics Take Aim at Russia's Smoking, Drinking Problem 冬奥会努力解决俄罗斯的吸烟饮酒问题

 

Olympics Take Aim at Russia's Smoking, Drinking Problem 冬奥会努力解决俄罗斯的吸烟饮酒问题

SOCHI, RUSSIA — Organizers at the Winter Olympics in Sochi hope the Games will inspire healthy living in Russia - a country that suffers from high rates of premature¹ deaths due to so-called "lifestyle" factors. Government figures show 400,000 people a year die of smoking-related diseases, while alcohol consumption has long been a problem.

Sochi is trying to project a healthy image.  In 2010, authorities signed a "tobacco-free" charter.

A stroll through this balmy coastal² resort suggests there's still work to do.  Across Russia, 60 percent of men and around 25 percent of women smoke.  On top of that, studies suggest one in eight deaths are related to high consumption of alcohol, especially vodka.

Olympic volunteer and ex-smoker Andrei Prokopyev hopes to be part of the solution.  He helped set up a "Health Expo," a kind of roadside health clinic, in downtown Sochi.

"In Russia we have different kinds of problems. Some of them are common diseases like around the world. But most of the problems are smoking, drinking alcohol, and many other problems of addiction," said Prokopyev.

Professionals measure eight key health statistics, from blood pressure to hand strength, which are used to produce a "biological age" - a measure of how old your body really is.

Galina has a bio-age of 69, but she's only 62-years-old.

"I'm a bit upset because my bio-age is higher than my real age.  But I think this idea is really useful and they have given me good advice on how to live healthier," said Galina.

Many people who have come here to this 'classroom' of healthy living say they have been inspired by the Winter Olympics in Sochi, and they want to live healthier lifestyles to emulate³ their Russia heroes.

"I'm really enjoying the Olympic Games and I want to become healthier, because I want to be like those sportsmen," said visitor to Sochi Konstantin Kaznov.

In the Olympic Park, smoking is banned except for a few designated areas.  In June, a new law will come into effect across Russia banning smoking in bars, restaurants and shops. The government has also increased the price of vodka to stem alcoholism.

Volunteer Andrei Prokopyev is optimistic.

"Olympic, it is new start for many people.  Quit cigarette and also thinking about their health," he said.

 

There may be a long way to go - but volunteers in Sochi believe the Winter Olympics could inspire many Russians to embrace the healthy spirit.

1 premature   

adj.比预期时间早的；不成熟的，仓促的

参考例句：

• It is yet premature to predict the possible outcome of the dialogue.预言这次对话可能有什么结果为时尚早。
• The premature baby is doing well.那个早产的婴儿很健康。

2 coastal   

adj.海岸的，沿海的，沿岸的

参考例句：

• The ocean waves are slowly eating away the coastal rocks.大海的波浪慢慢地侵蚀着岸边的岩石。
• This country will fortify the coastal areas.该国将加强沿海地区的防御。

3 emulate   

v.努力赶上或超越，与…竞争；效仿

参考例句：

• You must work hard to emulate your sister.你必须努力工作，赶上你姐姐。
• You must look at the film and try to emulate his behavior.你们必须观看这部电影，并尽力模仿他的动作。