The obesity problem is still getting worse! Recently there were statistics released by the government stating that there are now more obese Americans than overweight! Here is a copy of the article which can also be found on the MedlinePlus website.
Reuters Health-Monday, January 12, 2009
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of obese American adults outweighs the number of those who are merely overweight, according to the latest statistics from the federal government.
Numbers posted by the National Center for Health Statistics show that more than 34 percent of Americans are obese, compared to 32.7 percent who are overweight. It said just under 6 percent are "extremely" obese.
"More than one-third of adults, or over 72 million people, were obese in 2005-2006, the NCHS said in its report.
The numbers are based on a survey of 4,356 adults over the age of 20 who take part in a regular government survey of health, said the NCHS, which is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The figures come from the 2005-2006 survey and are the most current available.
"During the physical examination, conducted in mobile examination centers, height and weight were measured as part of a more comprehensive set of body measurements," the NCHS report said.
"Although the prevalence of obesity has more than doubled since 1980, the prevalence of overweight has remained stable over the same time period," it said.
Obesity and overweight are calculated using a formula called body mass index. BMI is equal to weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Someone with a BMI of 25 to 29 is classified as overweight, 30 to 40 counts as obese and people with BMIs of 40 or more are morbidly obese.
A person 5 feet 5 inches tall becomes overweight at 150 pounds (68 kg) and obese at 180 pounds (82 kg). The U.S. National Institutes of Health has an online BMI calculator at www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/.
In the 1988-1994 surveys, 33 percent of Americans were overweight, 22.9 percent were obese and 2.9 percent were morbidly obese. The numbers have edged up steadily since.
Being overweight or obese raises the risk of heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, arthritis and other conditions.
In May, the CDC reported that 32 percent of U.S. children fit the definition of being overweight, 16 percent were obese and 11 percent were extremely obese.
Childhood and adult obesity has emerged as a growing problem not only in the United States but also in many countries around the world.
Source: Reuters Health Information[Internet]
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After reading those statistics, I did some more research and found a program that I believe may be able to aid in the fight against obesity. The program is called Small Steps. They have a Small Steps Adult & Teen and Small Steps Kids programs. Here is a brief description straight from the Small Steps website:
Today's lifestyle doesn't allow much room for health. And that's where Small Steps comes in. We know that it's impossible for many people to make dramatic lifestyle changes. Instead, we want to help you learn ways that you can change small things about your life and see big results.
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The Small Steps Adult & Teen offers over 170 healthy tips, sections for: Get The Facts-which helps you get correct health information, Eat Better -which provides tips and resources for healthier eating , Get Active -which provides tips,resources and an activity tracker, Learn More, and Portion Control. Small Steps Kids offers information, games and activities.
Having information is a good thing but what really makes the difference is what you do with the information. I hope that if you decide to check out the Small Steps Program that you can find some useful information and be able to apply it to your life or share it with friends or family that may benefit from it. After all, they say "It's what the hero does that makes him/her a hero..."! So, maybe you can try taking some small steps and see if they can add up to big results for you?
Source:Small Steps Program Link
Brian Francis,CNC
www.herbalfix.biz
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
But I Don't Have Time to Exercise...
It's still early into the new year and you made your resolution to be healthier, lose weight, bulk up, etc.. So, how dedicated are you to accomplishing your goals? Are you putting forth an honest effort? Are you exercising regularly?
To accomplish being healthier or losing weight, proper nutrition along with other lifestyle choices are vital in successfully achieving those goals. Exercise is one of the vital factors that should not be neglected.
These days we are all really busy and have a million things to do every day. Since we are living such busy lifestyles sometimes we may feel like we don't have the time to exercise. Where do I find the time to exercise? I have to work, sleep, eat, spend time with my family and friends, check out MySpace and Facebook, and the list goes on. If you are reading this then it is most likely that you are in front of the computer right now (since this is a blog)? I will also further speculate that you may be in front of the computer screen regularly? If I am correct about those two assumptions, which I don't like to make because we all know what the say about assumptions, then do you also exercise regularly?
I'm not being critical. I don't know anyone's particular situation but I would like to offer some food for thought. Can you "create" time for exercise? I didn't have the time either but wanted to find the time. Personally I found that early morning exercise is best for me. I like to exercise as soon as I get up for the day. It usually helps give me a great start to my day. I usually feel more energetic, more alert, (a little)less stressed and have a sense of accomplishment. Could morning exercise be the right way for you to go too? Could it allow you to "create" time by getting it out of the way before the rest of your daily schedule gets too hectic?
No matter what time of day is good for your specific situation, of course the important thing is just doing it! Start off slow and build yourself up over time, but just practice making exercise a habit. Try to find ways to stay active. Make it fun. It's easier to do things you enjoy and you'll be more likely to do it consistently. If possible, having someone to hold you accountable or finding a friend or family member to exercise with may be helpful. Designing a reward system for yourself for accomplishing your goals may be another option to keep you motivated. Whatever path you decide to take, I wish everyone luck on their journey to becoming/staying healthy.
*Always consult your physician before beginning a diet or exercise program.
Brian Francis,CNC
www.herbalfix.biz
To accomplish being healthier or losing weight, proper nutrition along with other lifestyle choices are vital in successfully achieving those goals. Exercise is one of the vital factors that should not be neglected.
These days we are all really busy and have a million things to do every day. Since we are living such busy lifestyles sometimes we may feel like we don't have the time to exercise. Where do I find the time to exercise? I have to work, sleep, eat, spend time with my family and friends, check out MySpace and Facebook, and the list goes on. If you are reading this then it is most likely that you are in front of the computer right now (since this is a blog)? I will also further speculate that you may be in front of the computer screen regularly? If I am correct about those two assumptions, which I don't like to make because we all know what the say about assumptions, then do you also exercise regularly?
I'm not being critical. I don't know anyone's particular situation but I would like to offer some food for thought. Can you "create" time for exercise? I didn't have the time either but wanted to find the time. Personally I found that early morning exercise is best for me. I like to exercise as soon as I get up for the day. It usually helps give me a great start to my day. I usually feel more energetic, more alert, (a little)less stressed and have a sense of accomplishment. Could morning exercise be the right way for you to go too? Could it allow you to "create" time by getting it out of the way before the rest of your daily schedule gets too hectic?
No matter what time of day is good for your specific situation, of course the important thing is just doing it! Start off slow and build yourself up over time, but just practice making exercise a habit. Try to find ways to stay active. Make it fun. It's easier to do things you enjoy and you'll be more likely to do it consistently. If possible, having someone to hold you accountable or finding a friend or family member to exercise with may be helpful. Designing a reward system for yourself for accomplishing your goals may be another option to keep you motivated. Whatever path you decide to take, I wish everyone luck on their journey to becoming/staying healthy.
*Always consult your physician before beginning a diet or exercise program.
Brian Francis,CNC
www.herbalfix.biz
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Win a Free Weight Management or Wellness Program
If you are in need of losing or gaining weight or would just like to improve your health & wellness, then you me be able to receive a free Herbalife program to help you accomplish your goals! B.F. Enterprises is providing a FREE Quickstart Weight-Management Program plus a Free bottle of Total Control tablets or a FREE Personalized Program of products to the First Prize Winner of the Tears of Joy's January 2009 Writing Contest! In addition to the FREE program the First Prize Winner will also receive a FREE Wellness Evaluation, Consultation and Continuous Support for the length of the program.
The theme for this contest is "My Favorite Moment in My Life!" Participants will be asked to write a poem or short story about this theme. For complete details you can visit the Tears of Joy Stories website at www.tearsofjoystories.com. For a list of all contests for 2009 please go to Tears of Joy 2009 Contest. I wish everyone who participates in this and all of the Tears of Joy Contests the best of luck and I look forward to providing the First Prize Winner with their FREE Herbalife program and helping them begin to achieve the health & wellness goals they desire.
January Contest Dates:
Begins January 12, 2009
Ends January 31, 2009
Votes end February 5, 2009
I would like to thank Tears of Joy for the opportunity to be a part of the 2009 Contest and wish them continued success in all that they do. Be sure to stop by Tears of Joy's website and share your story for a chance to win one of the great prizes being offered. Additional prizes are being provided by Tears of Joy Video and Send Out Cards. Thank you for reading and Good Luck!
Video:
Sincerely,
Brian Francis,CNC
www.herbalfix.biz
The theme for this contest is "My Favorite Moment in My Life!" Participants will be asked to write a poem or short story about this theme. For complete details you can visit the Tears of Joy Stories website at www.tearsofjoystories.com. For a list of all contests for 2009 please go to Tears of Joy 2009 Contest. I wish everyone who participates in this and all of the Tears of Joy Contests the best of luck and I look forward to providing the First Prize Winner with their FREE Herbalife program and helping them begin to achieve the health & wellness goals they desire.
January Contest Dates:
Begins January 12, 2009
Ends January 31, 2009
Votes end February 5, 2009
I would like to thank Tears of Joy for the opportunity to be a part of the 2009 Contest and wish them continued success in all that they do. Be sure to stop by Tears of Joy's website and share your story for a chance to win one of the great prizes being offered. Additional prizes are being provided by Tears of Joy Video and Send Out Cards. Thank you for reading and Good Luck!
Video:
Sincerely,
Brian Francis,CNC
www.herbalfix.biz
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