Who Else Is Being Affected?

In all my posts, all I've written about is how America's obesity epidemic is affecting obese Americans and the government. It's true that the fact that obesity is causing many diseases and illnesses is important, but other factors are worth mentioning as well. I've failed to think about other players in this issue. "Obesity exacts a tremendous toll on society, by elevating disease rates and skyrocketing health care costs -- at a tremendous burden to taxpayers." Exactly. What about the taxpayers? They have to pay more and more taxes to contribute to programs and plans concocted to better America's health.

Obese people presently are experiencing diabetes, heart problems, and asthma and may be painful and hard to endure. But what if lives are shortened nautrally? "The rising rates of obesity among virtually every segment of the U.S. population threaten to make our youngest generation the first in American history to live shorter lives than their parents." In the future, will people still be able to live to 100 years old? What about 80? We'd be lucky to even be able to live to 60 perhaps. It'll be history replayed all over again. What, with other nature problems such as global warming, what will become of the human race?

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4597180

Choices

I'm beginning to think that resolving obesity has become more and more confusing and hectic. In some articles, I see kudos to the government for taking some sort of action; and in some others, I see people accusing the government of being apathetic and not caring at all.

An article I read today did just that. People were saying that the government's "dithering" on obesity. I don't believe that the government is all at fault. "Departments have been slow to react to the worsening problem, and efforts to work with the food industry to change the way unhealthy products are marketed have failed, according to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)."

Trying to get food markets to change their products is just like asking them to throw away their money. Changing their fatty food products to healthy, unpleasable products will simply destroy their businesses. They have to please their consumers.

And plus, it also depends on people's willpower. If they are determined to shed off those pounds, they will do it. All that stuff about not being to help it, or that their need to stuff themselves is uncontrollable, are all excuses. You can't just blame the government or businesses for being "slow" and apathetic about it. It's human nature to put yourself first and that's just what businesses are doing. They want more money and in their minds, the only way to do so is to sell food products that people will buy. Honestly now, if you walk into a deli and you see a delicious Entenmann's cake and then next to it is a bland, whole grain loaf of bread, which one would you choose?

http://news.aol.co.uk/bigstorynews/government-dithering-on-obesity/article/20070125052309990017

Okay, So What?

I came across this diet blog today and there was one blog discussing a New York Times article regarding the government's actions in interfering with America's obesity problem.

"Should the government intervene to force a national slimming, or is obesity a product of personal choice and responspibility? The New York Times explores the issues:

'In what is shaping up to be the great American food fight, there are two increasingly discordant sides.

One insists that government must use its legislative power to slim down an increasingly obese nation. In this view, obesity, like smoking, has become a public health crisis and demands a public health solution. In state legislatures, anti-obesity advocates are pushing bills that would add sin taxes for sodas, require calorie counts on restaurant menus and ban 'foods of minimum nutritional value' in schools (that means you, Sno-Kone).' "

Based on what I read, I came to realize that even if the government steps in and is willing to resolve United States' obesity epidemic, Americans may not. Some people feel that the government has no say as to what they eat. "Dane Carlson: 'I do not believe that government has any business regulating what I put into my body.'" That's true, but it's good that the government wants to help people improve their health.

Another person's response got me thinking as well. "Dana Cutolo: 'I learned that farmers are producing way more food than is needed to feed America, this is causing food proportions to grow, and many Americans to get fatter. I have also read that the government tells us to eat less of what is on the top of the food pyramid and more of what is on the bottom, such as fruits, vagetables, and bread products, how can we do that when more of the top is being produced.' " That is so true. How can we eat greens, fruits, and all those healthy-deemed foods when we are taunted and lured by sweets and fats?

http://www.diet-blog.com/archives/2003/11/11/can_government_stop_obesity.php

Biased Statistics

The government admitted that the statistics of deaths due to obesity are not accurate. "It is virtually official U.S. government policy that obesity kills 300,000 people every year." Looking at the research by the National Center for Health Statistics, obesity ranks as the second leading cause of deaths in America. But due to further research, the NCHS concluded that past statistics were false. They said that the deaths were "generated by statistics, not science." Deaths were just counted and a lot were just assumed to be caused by obesity. Keyword: Not proven. Assumed. "In other words, just because someone is obese and they die, it doesn’t necessarily follow that their obesity was the cause. The NCHS researchers point out that the populations analyzed to derive obesity deaths are biased..."

Although we now know that past statistics were false, it does not mean that obesity cannot cause deaths. It is proven by research from the medical field that obesity does indeed cause many health problems (some of which were discussed in previous blogs).

"Obesity Related Diseases

- 80% of type II diabetes related to obesity
- 70% of Cardiovascular disease related to obesity
- 42% breast and colon cancer diagnosed among obese individuals
- 30% of gall bladder surgery related to obesity
- 26% of obese people having high blood pressure"

Obesity should still be dealt with and people should still continue to care for their health. We're stuck with one body for the rest of our lives; why not take good care of it?

[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,131296,00.html]

[http://www.annecollins.com/obesity/statistics-obesity.htm]

Bloomberg Takes It To NY State Schools

Since 1980, New York's obesity rate for children has raised from 5% to as much as 17.4%. We've learned that Mayor Bloomberg took a stand for the city to combat trans fat, but he also took a role in helping NY State schooling children as well. In 2002, he took a huge step to help the city's children. All schools now have "an executive chef, whole wheat bread, salad bars and little plastic bags of sliced New York state apples."

I'm not saying that school lunch is more appealing now, because it really isn't. It's just healthier now. Fries are no longer drenched with 4 gallons of oil, and cheeseburgers are made with layers of healthier skim-milk cheese. A lot of snack machines were replaced with healthier snacks. For example, in many elementary schools, ice cream machines were replaced with machines with whole wheat and baked chips. Soda machines were replaced with juice machines. Candy and gumball machines were replaced with those for gummys made from fruit juice. And many machines for protein and energy bars, and trail mixes were added. Even Murry Bergtraum began to sell pretzels and baked Lays chips a few years ago.

This act of replacing junk food with healthier food is yet another step for New York City to combat obesity. There is no longer a high amount of fat adding onto kids' weight in school.


http://money.cnn.com/2007/03/27/news/companies/kaiserchildren_tvads/?postversion=20070328099

http://www.healthdecisions.org/News/default.aspx?doc_id=112726

Mayor Bloomberg Steps In

Mayor Bloomberg probably is the first mayor of New York City to ever step in and take New York's health issues by the reigns. To start things off, he first banned smoking in public bars and restaurants that house more than 35 seats. And his most recent action was banning transaturated fat in restaurants and forcing restaurant chains, such as McDonald's and Burger King, to show calorie counts and to take on "a cutting-edge culinary technique called sous vide." Imagine yourself being the owner of a bar or a restaurant who's been forced to do the above mentioned, I'm pretty sure you'd be ticked. Come on, without all that artery-clotting trans fat, what's going to make your food taste good now? Even though many bar owners "threatened to pull him from office," Mayor Bloomberg paid no attention and continued to do what he felt was good for New York City. Kudos to you Mr. Bloomberg! He's still holding his office strong, regardless of all those threats.

I don't think what he did was wrong. A lot of politicians do things like under-the-table deeds just to keep their positions in office, but Mayor Bloomberg persisted in preventing obesity and creating a healthier New York City even when his position was threatened and endangered. New York City as a whole has taken a stride in preventing obesity once again.

text: [http://www.healthdecisions.org/News/default.aspx?doc_id=112726]

img: [http://www.mikepaulblog.com/blog/media/Trans%20Fat%20Free%20photo%20w%20kid%20with%20fork%20and%20knife.jpg]

Work It!

"The victory is not always to the swift, but to those who keep moving."

I have decided to dedicate one blog to explain the importance of incorporating physical activities into our lives. However, being an exercise freak isn't good either. It has to be just right. But other than a good amount of exercise, good nutrition is extremely important as well.

Many people don't exercise because (1) they are too lazy to, (2) they say they don't have time for it or (3) it's too strenuous. That's a bunch of excuses. If you set your heart to something, you and I both know that you will find a way to do it one way or another. For example, if you really wanted to see a movie, but the movie came out the day you had to work or something, I'm sure you'd think of some lame excuse to give to your boss to get time off. Same goes for exercise. There are no excuses. You just don't care and don't want to try.

I'll admit, getting started is the hardest stage to get over. Take a look at this chart and decide where you are exactly:



Like all other activities, it will take your body a while to adjust to exercising. You can't just expect to be able to bench 100lbs the first time you work out. You have to start little, like with 20 lbs first and then slowly increase the weight over time intervals. If you still feel like you're not ready, why not join a gym? Many gyms have free classes that come with membersip, where there's an instructor that leads a class in exercising. If you like dancing, there are cardio dancing classes. If you like swimming, there are water aerobic classes. And if you like biking, there are bike "spinning" classes. There are many, many wonderful activities that you'll find fun. As long as you know what you'll enjoy doing, you can incorporate that into exercise. Give yourself a chance and check it out.

The most important thing is that you're able to tell yourself that you're ready. Think about it, it is for your own benefit. You only get one body for the rest of your life, why not be good to it? You're the one living with it.

(http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/starting/index.htm)

HHS Health Promotion

"Regular physical activity substantially reduces the risk of dying of coronary heart disease, the nation's leading cause of death, and decreases the risk for colon cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure. It also helps to control weight; contributes to healthy bones, muscles, and joints; reduces falls among the elderly; helps to relieve the pain of arthritis; reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression; and is associated with fewer hospitalizations, physician visits, and medications. Moreover, physical activity need not be strenuous to be beneficial; people of all ages benefit from moderate physical activity, such as 30 minutes of brisk walking five or more times a week. "

So you see, you don't have to be an athlete to be physically healthy. Anyone that isn't a couch potato can fight against obesity. All you have to do is set 30 minutes apart to do a little exercise; whether it be taking a walk, jogging, playing some sort of sports or swimming. As long as you're active for 30 minutes (or more) straight nonstop, a little bit goes a long way. All it takes is persistence and determination.

As talked about in a previous post, HHS developed new programs to help people fight the problem of obesity and even to help people maintain good health. The structures of these programs all linked to one main idea: physical activity.

Here are some programs that HHS supports to encourage physical activity:

[1] HealthierUS.gov - This is the root of President Bush's Healthier US Initiative. It was devised to educate and aid people with helpful information as to healthier lifestyles.

[2] President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS) - This is the group that advises the president and the secretary of HHS on how to motivate people to sustain healthier lifestyles. They encourage people to take up sports and to become more active. (For more information, visit www.fitness.gov)

[3] Healthy People 2010 - This compiles of the goals/obejectives set for America to achieve by 2010. It includes the major threats to health and how to prevent them. "One of the Healthy People 2010 goals is improving Americans' health, fitness and quality of life through daily physical activity with targets established both for adults and for children." (For more information, visit www.health.gov/healthypeople/)

Honestly, if people really care enough, they'd know what's best for them. If you need help, then get help. There are many programs out there that are dedicated to helping you solve these health problems. Just remember, it's never too late to ask for help.

(http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2002pres/physactive.html)

img: (http://www.bfhd.wa.gov/img/activity.jpg)

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Obesity is one of the top three causes of more than 300,000 deaths each year. Obesity causes many chronic diseases that can shorten people's lives. Besides chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular problems, "physical inactivity and unhealthy eating contribute[s] to obesity" as well. "Improving the health of Americans through physical activity and other prevention efforts is a priority of the Department of Health and Human Services." They are currently working with other agencies associated with HHS (such as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH)) to come up with ideas and better programs to help persuade and motivate society to develop increased physical activity.

On June 20, 2002, President George Bush launched a "Healthier US Initiative." One of the main initiatives is to prompt people to get involved in more physical activities. "Physical activity plays an essential role in promoting good health and preventing chronic diseases.." In total, President Bush granted the HHS over $16 billion for research and developing more programs.


(www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/fitness/)
(http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2002pres/physactive.html)
img: (http://aspe.hhs.gov/HSP/state-funded-pre-k/index.htm)

Medicare... Anti-Obesity?

Thanks to "a simple revision to a government policy manual" by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Medicare may finally change their outlook regarding obesity. Medicare, which was once closed off to obesity, is agreeing to open its doors to obese-related health coverages. All the HHS did was remove the part that started that "obesity is not an illness." A little change like that probably changed the lives of many Americans.

"By law, Medicare covers specified medically necessary services for illness and injury." But because of the fact that obesity is no longer declared an illness, it might be a bit tricky to get Medicare to pay for some treatments.

" 'From the standpoint of Medicare coverage and the health of our beneficiaries, the question isn't whether obesity is a disease or a risk factor. What matters is whether there's scientific evidence that an obesity-related medical treatment improves health,' said CMS Administrator Mark McClellan, M.D., Ph.D. 'This change in Medicare's coverage policy puts the focus on public health. The medical science will now determine whether we provide coverage for the treatments that reduce complications and improve quality of life for the millions of Medicare beneficiaries who are obese.' "

I agree. I really hope that this will take America one step closer to lowering its rate of obesity. Medicare's change of policy really does put the main focus on the well being and health of the public. Technology is so advanced now that anything is possible. People need to let go of their beloved fast food and snack gorging ways and just take a step back and re-assess their health. Now that Medicare took a huge step forward, so should the rest of America.


(http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/olderamericans/a/obesitypolicy.htm)

Obese Kid Fighting for His Right to Eat

Eight-year-old Connor McCreaddie, who weighs over 200 lbs is fighting with Britain for his right to snack and to remain with his mother. The kid simply cannot stop eating and has been gorging himself ever since he was born, according to his mother. Connor's been gaining and gaining, and even hit 218 lbs last year. He is way too overweight for his height and age and the British social workers are trying to take custody of him. However, his mom still refuses to watch her boy's eating style and lets him continually dig into their fridge. The British government had no choice but to threaten to intrude into this matter.

Such a local problem in a small city of Britain traveled far and stimulated national awareness. So what about New York? Would the government ever intervene on an issue such as Connor McCreaddie's?

" 'I think anything is possible,' said Mayor Bloomberg when asked if New York officials would ever take custody of a child because of obesity. 'We have to look at the welfare of the children.' "

It's true that we as a nation have to look out for one another and do what's best for the future generations. Health is a very serious issue and cannot be toyed around with. If Connor and all the little boys and girls out there weren't helped, they can develop serious health conditions that will put their lives in danger.

"...overweight children such as Connor are susceptible to diabetes, respiratory problems, high blood pressure and heart strain."

However, we cannot force anything upon another human being. Just because the government feels that a certain action is right, it doesn't mean that's what's best for people. Plus, fighting against obesity isn't what the whole nation considers as "important." Not everyone cares about the well-being of a little overweight child, even though "...an elementary school study finding 43% of city kids are overweight." People nowadays have "better" things to worry about, like war, making money and themselves. That's a pity because if everyone cared about everyone, and if everyone lent a hand out to someone else, our world would be a better, safer and healthier place to live in.

(Daily News. pg 19. Wednesday, February 28, 2007)

What Is Obesity?

Currently, America seems to be aiming to decrease the percentage of obesity in the nation. The reason? To look good and to fit into and follow today's hippest fashion. Not because if they eat another morsel, they'll die of high cholesterol or low blood pressure; but so they can force themselves into size double zero jeans and extra-extra-extra-extra-small shirts, because that's what looks "good."

"Fine, so what exactly is obesity," you ask? Well, my dear friends, I should ask you the very same question. When I asked fellow classmates and friends, I got the same answer over and over again: "Obesity is when you're extremely overweight." Many people seem to oversee what I think is the most important factor of obesity: the health problems associated with being overweight. But then again, I don't blame them, especially if that's the only definition that the media seems to feed the public. Even the almighty online dictionary that everyone counts on does that.

"obese [oh-bees]
–adjective
very fat or overweight; corpulent. "
(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/obesity)

Being obese is to be very fat and "corpulent"? What is that, the nicer way of saying "fat," like "big-boned" and "chubby"? Oh yeah, I'm absolutely sure that dictionary.com's editors just simply forgot to induce the health risks portion into the definition. Yup.

For those of you who do not believe that previous statement that I intended to be sarcastic, the only website that seems to be in the right mind so far is WebMD. They define obesity as:

"Being obese means having so much body fat that your health is in danger."

Now this is what I call the real definition of obesity. Not "very fat" and "corpulent." (And again, what the heck is that? Someone please give me the real definition of that vulgar word, because my faith in dictionary.com is rapidly decreasing by the second.) Props to WebMD! For those of you who are still unsure of what obesity truly is, I suggest you read this article from WebMD, because otherwise you'd be totally clueless as to my countless, future, government-related insightful blogs. And even if you're just really looking forward to shedding a few pounds for the summer, this article will tell you the healthy way to do it; and not demolishing your body with those so-called "fast and ways" like starving yourself and throwing up till your insides are oozing out and you're the size of a toothpick.


"What is obesity?

Being obese means having so much body fat that your health is in danger. Having too much body fat can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, sleep apnea, and stroke.

Because of these risks, it is important to lose weight even if you do not feel bad now. It is hard to change eating habits and exercise habits. But you can do it if you make a plan.

How do I know if I am obese?

You can use a measurement called a body mass index, or BMI, to decide whether your weight is dangerous to your health. The BMI is a combination of your height and weight. If you have a BMI of 30 or higher, your extra weight is putting your health in danger.

Use the Interactive Tool: Weight and Health Risks to check your body mass index.Where you carry your body fat may be as important as how many extra pounds you have. People who carry too much fat around the middle, rather than the hips, are more likely to have health problems. In women, a waist size of 35 in. or more raises the chance for disease. In men, a waist size of 40 in. or more raises the chance for disease.

What causes obesity?

When you take in more calories than you burn off, you gain weight. How you eat, how active you are, and other things affect how your body uses calories and whether you gain weight.

If your family members are obese, you may have inherited a tendency to gain weight. And your family also helps form your eating and lifestyle habits, which can lead to obesity.

Also, our busy lives make it harder to plan and cook healthy meals. For many of us, it's easier to reach for prepared foods, go out to eat, or go to the drive-through. But these foods are often high in fat and calories. Portions are often too large. Work schedules, long commutes, and other commitments also cut into the time we have for physical activity.

There is no quick fix to being overweight. To lose weight, you must burn more calories than you take in."

(http://www.webmd.com/diet/tc/Obesity-Overview)

I know some of you are too lazy to click on links, or were scared just by the sight of a long article, so I'm going to sum it up for you: Obesity is when one's weight can cause serious health problems.

The solution? Exercise, persistence, and eating the right foods. So please, think about it before you walk into another Wendy's, McDonald's, Burger King and the rest of the fast food family. You're risking your health.

Stay tuned for future blogs: Government policies on obesity.