In just 70 years, Chinese life expectancy doubled to 78.6

China's economic development over the past seven decades has been well documented, but the vast improvement in the health of its people is less so.

To put it simply — albeit a bit dramatically — if I were born in 1949 when the People's Republic of China was founded, I would probably be staring down at death already at my current age of 31.

A baby born more than seven decades ago in China would live on average to the age of 35. But one born last year is expected to reach 78.6 years old, which is higher than the average of 77.5 years in the United States.

The causes of death have also changed. More than seven decades ago, bubonic plague, cholera, smallpox and a number of infectious diseases would be the biggest threat to my life. If I were pregnant, I would be deeply concerned about pregnancy complications that could kill me or my child.

At present, the prevalence of vaccine-preventable infectious diseases has fallen to an extremely low level, and key infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and hepatitis B have all been reined in effectively.

For myself, feeling healthy and energetic most of the time, my greatest fear with regard to my health is related to my own weaknesses — my unhealthy diet and disrupted circadian rhythm. These things could increase the chance of me having high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other chronic diseases.

According to the National Health Commission, the biggest killers of Chinese people nowadays are stroke, heart and lung diseases, Alzheimer's and cancers that are often associated with lifestyle choices.

It is impossible to explain the astonishing progress in Chinese life expectancy and health levels in just a few thousand words. Having covered the healthcare sector for about seven years, I get to discover new approaches, solutions and mechanisms at each news briefing and interview I attend, and when out on assignment.

The latest action that intrigued me was a three-year campaign launched by the National Health Commission and 15 other government departments in June that aims to improve awareness and skills regarding weight control.

The campaign comes as more than half of adults in China are either obese or overweight, which can potentially elevate the risk of potentially deadly diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Authorities are so meticulous in instilling knowledge about healthy diets and lifestyles in the people that the commission released seven versions of detailed, recommended dietary guidelines tailored to seven different regions across China. The recommended menus also vary depending on the four seasons.