While the economy is at its worst in at least the last 25 years, the nation is still getting fatter! Well our pockets are full of something and it is not cash. ABCNews Health posted an article June 1st stating that obesity rates have increased over the past year in 23 states, with no state reporting a decrease. In 31 states, more than 1 in 4 adults is obese according to a new report from Trust For America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Granted, there are always flaws in gathering data and the definition of obesity as it pertains to BMI (Body Mass Index). However; the bottom line is, people are getting larger and unhealthier and the excuses are getting old. There are people who legitimately have psychological and physiological reasons for being overweight and obese, but this is no different that 50 years ago. People have not evolved in the last century so much that everyone is more likely to get fat. What has evolved is lifestyle and we need to get educated, get up off our asses and move! As obesity rates rise, it is costing all of us more money in health care and insurance.
And before anyone says “It’s hard,” no it is not. You don’t have to look like the cover of Cosmo - another issue for another time - just be healthy. Turn off the TV, put down the Twinkies and go outside! Getting outdoors is a great way to stimulate our minds and bodies. It gets our minds off of everyday stresses and keeps us occupied so we don’t think about food. Take a hike, go backpacking, go kayaking or canoeing - anything to get you into the outdoors - and take a friend (no, not Facebook). There is so much to mentally stimulate you in the wilderness, you would be surprised how insignificant that Big Mac suddenly becomes, especially if you go someplace where there isn’t a McDonald’s for miles.
BTW - leave the cell phone at home!
