Education is tool to battle obesity
July 20, 2004
By Dawn Schabbing
Like the size of many of our waistlines, the rate of obesity in America continues to increase.
While fad diets and pills that promise to burn fat
while we sleep are hot sellers in our area today, exercise
and diet experts say using common sense is the best
way to lose
weight and become more healthy.
“The first thing I would do is discuss this (weight) concern with my doctor,” said Melissa Vogel, Registered Dietician at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. “Safe weight loss involves increasing physical activity and a healthy eating plan.”
In 2000, 64 percent of our nation’s population reported they were either overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because of this local, state and national health officials have developed plans and programs to help people of all ages win the battle of the bulge.
Health problems associated with obesity or being overweight include increased risks for high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer and breathing problems.
The CDC reported that being overweight accounts for more than 300,000 premature deaths annually in the U.S., which is second only to tobacco-related deaths. Also, diabetes increased by 33 percent in the 1990’s, due to a surge of obesity cases reported.
The Illinois Department of Public Health reported the leading cause of death in both 2001 and 2002 was diseases of the heart at 30,827 and 30,713 cases respectively. A good sign is that the numbers are down from 1992 statistics when 34,293 people died of heart disease in Illinois.
In Coles County a new program for seniors is set to begin this month to give its participants a way to “take charge” and improve their health and reduce ill-health statistics.
The “Take Charge Challenge” is a fun, educational way and a motivational program that encourages seniors to take charge of their cardiovascular health through strength building, improving balance and flexibility, relaxation and nutrition.
Lori Richardson, an exercise specialist at SBLHC, leads the free 10-week program. It is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. July 22 at the Mattoon Senior Center. To register for the class contact Corrine Joyner at 234-3311.
“The class helps participants set goals and track their progress. It introduces a new way to think about exercise and the value it brings to their lives,” said Patty Peterson, director of Public Relations at SBLHC.
Renee Ringuette, a registered nurse working in cardiac rehabilitation at SBLHC, said educating patients is partly how she helps improve their health. About 75 percent or more of her patients in cardiac rehab are either overweight or obese.
“In a nutshell, we educate people on risk reductions, which we hope in turn will improve their quality of life,” said Ringuette. “I can see where some people are going outdoors - biking and walking - but we could still do much better.”
Obesity is defined as an excessively high amount of body fat. One way to classify obesity is to use the Body Mass Index (BMI), which shows the ratio of a person’s weight to height. A BMI of 30 or above is considered obese. In most cases, a BMI of 30 equals to about 30 pounds overweight. Calculating your BMI is easily done by using information at this Website: www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/.
Health and fitness experts say making small changes at first helps one to accomplish goals and reduces the chance for “burn out” early on. When working out, first remember to include warm up stretches and also cool down.
While people should get their doctor’s recommendation first, a general rule is to exercise 30-60 minutes a day, four to six days a week, said Ringuette.
Obesity in America is affecting people of all ages. More and more people are becoming overweight and some are becoming obese. People are also becoming obese at a younger age today, she said.
“Thirteen percent of children aged six to 11 years and 14 percent of adolescents were overweight in 1999. That number has tripled in the past two decades,” Ringuette said.
Vogel said the debate continues to determine if obesity is hereditary. “Both environmental and genetic factors are involved. The bottom line is this, if you use more calories versus what you eat, you lose weight,” said Vogel.
Americans make mistakes when trying to lose weight such as: expecting immediate results by using a fad diet or pills; lose weight too quickly, which might include loss of muscle mass; relying only on diet to lose weight, compared to diet plus exercise; and exercising with too much intensity, especially early in the program that often results in injuries, said Vogel.
Source:www.colescountyleader.com
|
