Chances are you already signed up for the obesity course and you didn’t even know it. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention ran a national health and nutrition study and found that more than one-third of U.S. adults (35.7 percent) are obese and almost 19 percent of youth are obese. One of the biggest reasons weight gain has become such a problem is the fact that many people don’t even recognize what obesity is any more. According to a study performed in the North Carolina Children’s Hospital, researchers confirmed previous reports that parents of overweight or obese children do not recognize their child has a weight problem, because being overweight is the new normal.
A recent study asked students ages 20-27, “What is it about old age that scares you?” More than 90 percent of all responses listed ill-health and dependence on others as their biggest fears related to old age, especially losing one’s mental facilities such as remembering things.
So if this is the greatest fear of young adults then why are they the least likely to do something about it in the years that count? Research suggests that by the time a child is 7 years old they have already started a habit of watching over 16 or more hours of TV a week, if this unhealthy habit is started when they are young imagine how many more hours of TV that child will be watching when they are in their teen years.
Rising grocery and unemployment are not the only culprits; Americans today are busier than ever; they get the kids ready for school, and then go to work- some commute times are over two hours long, then homeward bound there are children’s extra curricular activities such as sports, music classes, and there is home work and getting ready for bed, oh and was it mentioned that somewhere in that schedule the family is supposed to eat. This is where fast food comes in: Most families today are in such a hurry from one place to another that fast food is as second nature as filling up the car with gas when on empty.
Since self-reliance is important to all of us now and when we get older it’s imperative that we cultivate those habits that will strengthen the body and the mind while we are young, then as we get older a healthy lifestyle will be a natural part of our lives. If you are in your senior years it is not too late to start pursuing a healthy lifestyle today by pursuing activities such as yoga, taking a walk, swimming; when you first begin low-impact activities are a great way to start. If you prefer or need motivation to get started then joining a recreation center, or exercise class might be something to look into. Over 64,000 senior centers across America are adding physical activities to their daily routines, and implementing nutritional food options for seniors. The Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (DNPAO) is working to implement policy and environmental strategies to make healthy eating and active living accessible for everyone.
One of your challenges might just be the energy it takes to make a move forward, if this is true with you, then find a family member, friend, or even a support group on line and talk through what changes you are hoping to make and how you want to accomplish them. Your next step might be to visit a health center and get a wellness check up; physicians love to hear when a patient is going about making positive changes to improve their health, in fact many doctors will have excellent recommendations and or even know of organizations that would benefit your efforts.
Awareness can bring about change, as people become aware they will add to his or his repertoire of knowledge and skills by trying new recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, swimming, or getting involved in sports- basketball, tennis, soccer, or dance.
I’ve heard it said, “When the kids are all gone I’ll…,” or “When I retire I will have time to…,” Now is that time, what are you waiting for, get in the game of life before it passes you by or even worse if you can’t remember life as you once knew it. Remember if you don’t like being alone or don’t know how to get started look into community programs where you live, many are inexpensive or just go for a walk, that is always free.
As Social Service Coordinators is the leading health advocate provider in the nation, their goal is to help qualified Medicare members fill out the necessary paperwork so there is never a gab in coverage, keeping members healthier than ever.
