Nature or Nurture

Chinese men are susceptible to nasopharyngeal carcinoma and hepatoma, especially those who live in the south, including Taiwanese. The two dreadful cancers are due to the viral infection, by Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) respectively. They take the toll upon many famous Chinese elite, including Dr. Sun Yat-sen, our National Father. But why southern Chinese? Is it because of the genes or is it because of their living habit?

Irene, Trini, Lydia and I had lunch at noon. Our topic was about life and death. It was a serious topic, but by our age, we can talk about anything without reservations. Being a microbiology and immunology major, I know EBV and HBV. I studied Herpes Virus for my master degree in the US, that's why I know EBV. I worked on Hepatitis B Vaccination program at Department of Health, that's why I know HBV. I don't usually discuss with golden ladies about infections and diseases, we often talk about fashion, love, and toastmasters.

Among seven golden ladies, we all wish to look younger and more beautiful. To be exact, we wish to have fewer wrinkles on our faces and less fat deposit on our tummies. We exchange the information about cosmetic surgery and the latest fashion designs. Life and death had never been a topic among us till today. What if we were sick? Would we have different expectations of existing life? Some golden ladies like to be surrounded by family members, other prefer to be solitary to finish their last journey. I am the latter, I like to be alone, so that I could have the opportunity to make friends with strangers along the way. It is my way of life.

In the future, in addition to the vanity fair, I think I might talk more about health issues so that golden ladies can be informed of the potential health threats, especially those among Chinese men. I wish golden ladies know more about nasopharyngeal carcinoma and hepatoma, the two dreadful diseases in Chinese men.

Both nature and nurture shape what we are. We inherit genes from our parents. We are brought up by our parents. Our feature, our personality, our likes and dislikes are influenced by our genes as well as the environment we live in. I am thankful to my parents for their genes, I am obliged to make a better environment for us all.