Half of Chinese entrepreneurs suffer from neck vertebrae illnesses, obesity, high blood fat, and/or gastrointestinal problems, and their health level is lower than the average adult in China, reported China News on November 29.

It is indicated in the report that none of the Chinese entrepreneurs is completely healthy, based on the analysis of data collected by Ciming Checkup, a health organization in China. The report was jointly released by the China Entrepreneurs Health Resource, the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and the committee of the Association for Medical Technology Application (MTA) of the Chinese Hospital Association.

Among the 427 entrepreneurs who went to 13 health checkup institutions in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou from April to July this year, 65 percent of the male examinees were overweight, 61.7 percent had neck vertebrae problems, 50.4 percent suffered from abnormal blood and fatty livers, 48.8 percent had stomach disorders and duodenum diseases, and more than one third had abnormal electrocardiograms. Female entrepreneurs were more likely to show symptoms of spine disorders and thyroid disorder than their male counterparts.

The incidences of disease in the group of Chinese entrepreneurs was twice as that of people above 30 and also higher than the national average. 67 percent of entrepreneurs believe they accumulate wealth at the expense of their health, and 83 percent say health is more important than money, according to another investigation.

The poor health condition can be mainly attributed to high work stress and unhealthy lifestyles, said Doctor Han Xiaohong, adding that regular examinations are necessary to maintain better health.

Chinese enterprises see rapid development and the entrepreneurs are under greater stress, which makes them vulnerable to depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and immune system disorders, as well as insomnia and headaches, said Han.

(China.org.cn by Yang Xi, November 29, 2007)