They may not see eye to eye on politics but Ariadne Massa finds out that Health Minister Louis Deguara and the Labour Party's spokesman for health, Michael Farrugia have something in common: they both admit to being overweight.


Louis Deguara

Do you exercise every day? If so, what do you do and how much time do you spend?

I would like to exercise more but I never seem to find the time. I used to spend an hour on the treadmill every morning, which I have now substituted with house visits. I can tell you, these visits are more demanding, both physically and mentally. However, I make it a point to go for an hour of brisk walking on Sundays.

Were you ever overweight? If yes, what diet did you follow?

I still am overweight. I do lose weight, but, unfortunately, it keeps catching up with me. Being overweight seems to have become a national goal. The diet people seem to follow scrupulously is the famous Seafood Diet, which they interpret faithfully.

How much alcohol do you consume in a week?

I have other civilised means to make me forget.

Did you ever smoke? If yes, what made you quit and how did you succeed?

Yes, I smoked until six years ago. I would like to say I quit because the habit was incompatible with my portfolio as Health Minister or because I am aware of its adverse effects. But the truth is I was scared stiff after suffering a heart attack. One good thing came out of it: I realised how stupid I had been in picking up the habit, managed to persuade close friends to give up smoking and successfully pushed to introduce the public smoking ban in Malta.

Did you eat your greens as a boy? Nowadays, do you try to consume five fruit and vegetables a day?

I do my best to follow the Mediterranean diet but don't always succeed. As a kid we were made to eat greens every day and, like most children, I loathed the idea. I love apples, but have to be extra careful consuming them... Eating an apple a day keeps the doctor away and that would mean never meeting my wife, both children and my son's fiancée. Cannot afford that, now can I?

If you had to indulge in junk food, what would you tuck into? And how often do you treat yourself?

No hesitation there - burgers. How often I consume them depends primarily on how often my family is on holiday and I am left to my own vices.

What's your one health vice?

Black chocolate. Any size, shape, make, quantity, and quality.

What frustrates you about the health situation in Malta?

As a nation, we are still more interested in demanding and expecting to be provided with the latest treatments rather than concentrating on preventing the disease. I am deeply worried by the fact that, in spite of all our efforts at raising awareness on the need for prevention, we are not achieving the desired results, a situation other countries are facing. The responsibility for our health lies firmly with each and every individual.

Work/life balance... Do politicians set a good example?

Forget it. Most of us are the perfect example of whom not to emulate. However, the younger politicians are more aware of the need to strike a balance. They find the time and enough energy to play football regularly - the number of young MPs limping in after a weekend match is increasing. Those my age - we're more mature and responsible - have enthusiastically volunteered to form part of the reserve team.

What are your party's plans for the country's health and well-being?

I am honestly very optimistic. I have full confidence in the potential of our health system, primarily because of the high quality and calibre of our healthcare staff. In spite of our shortcomings, we have an excellent health system, which we should be proud of. Fortunately, governments worldwide are becoming increasingly aware that a healthy population contributes directly to the well-being of its country. We will continue to invest heavily to provide the very best our country can afford. Mater Dei Hospital is proof of our commitment towards the nation's health. Success, however, brings along new challenges. Longevity has meant that, in spite of our efforts to keep our elderly active and independent, we still need to provide about 1,000 more long-stay beds over the next 10 years. Besides a new oncology facility, a new rehabilitation centre and a radical shift to community care and prevention, upgrading our facilities is an ongoing process.


Michael Farrugia

Do you exercise every day? If so, what do you do and how much time do you spend?

I used to go to the gym twice a week but I had to stop. Being a doctor and a politician does not help. My exercise now consists of running up and down the stairs, lugging my heavy bag on my rounds... I avoid taking the lift and try to walk fast during patient visits.

Were you ever overweight? If yes, what diet did you follow?

I was really skinny but time caught up with me. Unfortunately, I fall in the overweight bracket. Occasionally, I manage to diet and lose some kilos but festivities and receptions do not help much. I'm starting to hate the bathroom scales. For some time I was on a C Food Diet - I eat what I see.

How much alcohol do you consume in a week?

I only consume a moderate amount when I go out for dinner. I hate the smell of alcohol on my breath, especially if I still have to see to patients or do political house visits.

Did you ever smoke? If yes, what made you quit and how did you succeed?

Yes, I have to admit I used to. I managed to quit eight years ago. It was an overnight decision, which was easier than I thought. I have never let myself be a slave to anything or anybody... certainly not to a cigarette.

Did you eat your greens as a boy? Nowadays, do you try to consume five fruit and vegetables a day?

I hardly remember what I ate yesterday but I do remember that I hated meat as a boy. I was also very healthy and active in sports. These days, I love fruit and snack on them during the day, when I am too busy to have lunch, which is almost every day. I love veggies too.

If you had to indulge in junk food, what would you tuck into? And how often do you treat yourself?

I don't really like junk food but I don't mind pizza. Through experience, eating junk food in public is not fun. A couple of years back, I was in a Sliema kiosk and I decided to treat myself to a double burger, with double cheese, double egg and a sausage on top - I only did it this once. The waiter looked at me and actually made a passing comment. I also try not to transmit the wrong message to whoever is watching, especially children.

What's your one health vice?

Chocolates - whether plain, truffles, flavoured, etc... - I'm a chocoholic, but lately I'm managing to control myself.

What frustrates you about the health situation in Malta?

I'm frustrated that statistically Maltese children are rated among the most obese on a global level. Sports is not given the necessary importance in schools and not enough money is being spent on health prevention, health education and screening. With regard to the provision of services, I'm concerned with the mismanagement of our hospital and the serious lack of human resources that is leading to long waiting lists.

Work/life balance... Do politicians set a good example?

Not all. A work/life balance depends on one's ability to excel in time management.

What are your party's plans for the country's health and well-being?

This is my list: All decisions centre around patients, who should come first; improve primary health care services; give private medical practitioners access to facilities at government health centres and hospitals; introduce a holistic approach and service in the community; more investment in prevention and education; improve health and safety on the place of work; introduce screening services, including breast screening; cut down waiting lists by 15 per cent yearly; and dedicate more importance to mental healthcare, among others.

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