Miscellaneous Post

Obesity

• Last week on Wednesday I went to a presentation by Miss Rhode Island 2012 ( Kelsey Fournier ), she had her presentation mainly focusing on obesity. She brought many things to my attention that I think many people should be aware of and that are very shocking but interesting things!

• 58 Million Overweight; 40 Million Obese; 3 Million morbidly Obese
• Eight out of 10 over 25's Overweight
•   78% of American's not meeting basic activity level recommendations
•  25% completely Sedentary
•   76% increase in Type II diabetes in adults 30-40 since 1990 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 Related Disease Costs Overwhelm Health Care System 
• 1 of 7 low-income, preschool-aged children is obese.
• Approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2—19 years are obese.
• Since 1980, obesity prevalence among children and adolescents has almost tripled.
• There are significant racial and ethnic disparities in obesity prevalence among U.S. children and adolescents. In 2007—2008, Hispanic boys, aged 2 to 19 years,were significantly more likely to be obese than non-Hispanic white boys, and non-Hispanic black girls were significantly more likely to be obese than non-Hispanic white girls.2011 State Prevalence Among Low-Income Children Aged 2 to 4 Years

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  2011 State Prevalence Among Low-Income Children Aged 2 to 4 Years

  

   I found it extremely crazy how obesity is more common in low income homes, the major reason this is, is because low income children are more exposed to fast food around their homes and by their parents because of lack of time and how quick fast food is to get. They aren't near fresh ingredients to make decent foods and sometimes the prices of fresh foods isn't good for low income homes.

•  This article is really an eye opener.

• They have this website called http://www.choosemyplate.gov/ which gives Educational tips for being more healthy.

• The first lady Michelle Obama, runs a country wide program called LetsMove .

 

"Let’s Move! is a comprehensive initiative, launched by the First Lady, dedicated to solving the challenge of childhood obesity within a generation, so that children born today will grow up healthier and able to pursue their dreams. Combining comprehensive strategies with common sense, Let's Move! is about putting children on the path to a healthy future during their earliest months and years. Giving parents helpful information and fostering environments that support healthy choices. Providing healthier foods in our schools. Ensuring that every family has access to healthy, affordable food. And, helping kids become more physically active.

Everyone has a role to play in reducing childhood obesity, including parents, elected officials from all levels of government, schools, health care professionals, faith-based and community-based organizations, and private sector companies. Your involvement is key to ensuring a healthy future for our children."

• Today their are a lot of programs like Lets Move, and things like camps that are there to just teach your children how to cook healthy foods themselves, and to teach them what they should eat and what they shouldn't. You guys should look into this, is pretty cool and they hire people to work at these camps which I think would be a great experience.