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The weight on our shoulders
May 16, 2012
The weight on our shoulders.
Every day is a new crisis. And every crisis is just a Google search away from an abundance of complex information that more often than not leaves us paralyzed by indecision.
There is a fascinating documentary currently online and on HBO called Weight of the Nation. Watch it. It will make you think about what you put in your mouth and in your kids’ lunch box.
It is at once alarming and inspiring. Alarming because obesity rates, especially amongst children, are rising at an unbelievable rate. Fat is the new normal. And with all due respect to those who fight against anti-fat prejudices in a world in love with skinny, fat is also death’s new calling card.
Weight of the Nation is also inspiring in the way it demonstrates how simple changes to lifestyle can have a huge and lasting impact. People who exhibit the following factors enjoy significantly lower risk of heart disease, cancer and premature death than those who don’t – despite genetics and family history.
7 Health Factors and Behaviours for Optimal Cardiovascular Health:
1. Optimal cholesterol levels
2. Normal blood pressure
3. Not having diabetes
4. Lean body mass index
5. Not being a smoker
6. Getting recommended levels of physical activity
7. Pursuing a healthy diet
I know it seems daunting. Maybe you don’t meet any of these health criteria. Less than 1% of Americans do. How do you get there? It just makes you want to hide under a blanket with a box of Timbits.
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3 Simple Things You Can Do Today
1. Exercise 30 minute per day (60 minutes for children).
2. Eliminate pop, vitamin water, and even fruit juice from your diet. The single biggest contributor to obesity, especially in children is sugary drinks.
3. Stop putting cigarettes in your mouth and lighting them.
The causes of obesity and the obesity epidemic are complex and insidious. The health ramifications are disastrous.
Do these 3 things. Do one of these three things. Live longer. Live better.
Photographs courtesy of Skye Physiotherapy and Pilates and ESU Healthy Workplace Initiative
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