In recent times, a peculiar trend known as the ‘Preventing Sudden Death Package’ has taken Chinese social media by storm. This unconventional combination of CoQ10, fish oil, lutein, and vitamin D3 has become a source of self-consolation for many young individuals. But why has this package gained such popularity?
According to a study conducted by the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, the notion of labeling this combination as a ‘Preventing Sudden Death Package’ is fundamentally incorrect. Sudden death is a medical condition, and dietary supplements alone do not possess clinical properties for treatment or prevention. While they can be consumed as part of a well-rounded diet, they should only serve as auxiliary support.
Dr. Xu Chao emphasizes that a genuine prevention strategy against sudden death includes maintaining a healthy and balanced diet (with a reduced intake of oily, salty, and sugary foods), quitting smoking and drinking, avoiding sleep deprivation, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, cultivating a positive mindset (avoiding chronic stress and emotional turmoil), and avoiding excessive exhaustion.
However, despite these facts, many young people still find solace in the deceptive allure of the ‘Preventing Sudden Death Package.’ So, what lies beneath this seemingly irrational choice?
According to an article published in the national academic journal ‘Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine,’ heart-related sudden deaths account for 57.8% of all cases, with individuals aged between 30 and 63 being the most susceptible. In recent years, there has been a rise in sudden deaths among young people, primarily due to frequent all-nighters, excessive workloads, and irregular lifestyles – all consequences of mounting societal pressure.
Caught between anxiety and determination, the majority of young individuals echo the sentiment of “struggling relentlessly, yet feeling inadequate.” The 2022 China Youth Online Social Attitude Survey reveals that young netizens face acute study/work-related anxiety, with a trend of “being anxious while striving for success.” This is especially true for females and highly educated individuals, who experience higher levels of anxiety as their achievements increase. For those already in the workforce, mass layoffs and declining job prospects contribute to the mounting pressure. As for students, the phenomenon is fueled by alarmingly low employment rates, leading to higher expectations for career planning and job conditions. Pursuing further studies to enhance qualifications and competitiveness has become a prevailing trend, known as “gradual employment.”
Struggling amidst anxiety has become the norm, and many young people willingly sacrifice sleep to cope with their demanding schedules. The reasons behind their chronic sleep deprivation are twofold: some stay up due to the nature of their work or excessive workload, while others engage in what is known as ‘revenge bedtime procrastination,’ where personal leisure and relaxation time only come in the late hours. As one netizen puts it, “It’s not about staying up late; it’s about losing freedom during the day.” Excessive sitting and indulging in unhealthy food or late-night snacks have also become coping mechanisms for stress relief among the youth. With the rise in unhealthy habits, combined with occasional news about sudden deaths, the ‘Preventing Sudden Death Package’ serves as a placebo, offering comfort and gaining popularity among young people.
The pressure on the younger generation needs to be acknowledged and addressed. Whenever young individuals express their stress, older generations often respond with statements like, “We all went through the same hardships” or “No generation has an easy youth.” However, Professor Liu Qing from East China Normal University’s School of Political Philosophy and Intellectual History believes that the technological era brings both progress and challenges. In an era focused on efficiency and profit, individuals face the risk of being reduced to mere productivity machines. When stress exceeds the limits of resilience, young people are prone to various physical and mental issues. To tackle this, societal acceptance and recognition are imperative, replacing mockery or disdain with encouragement. Clear and enforceable laws are needed to safeguard the rights of workers, especially in relation to labor standards. Additionally, relevant authorities must enhance macro-level regulation to provide young people with broader opportunities for personal and professional development.
While critics may accuse the purchase of the ‘Preventing Sudden Death Package’ as falling for an intellectual hoax or lacking scientific basis, it is crucial to understand that young people’s decisions are not solely based on the belief that these supplements can prevent sudden death. Rather, they seek psychological solace amidst the backdrop of societal pressures and concerns for labor rights. This phenomenon deserves further attention and consideration.”
