Update: The Obesity Epidemic-What’s the Latest?

Most Jinifit blog readers are far from obese.  But, judging from some of the stories you’ve told me, some of you once were.  Sadly, many have family members with weight-related health concerns. That’s why I decided to bring you the latest on the obesity epidemic; to see what good news there is…(I’m trying to think positive.)  

The sad truth                                                                                                                                       

Much has been written about the obesity epidemic in this country and the growing concern about obesity abroad.  The reports are everywhere-in every local, national, and global publication and media outlet.  Americans keen on finding “evidence” of this epidemic (should they find it necessary), need look no further than their local theme park or Las Vegas resort (see accompanying photo) for a live, up close and personal peek at the American body-at-large.  And is it ever…large.  The news stories only remind us what we already know: America is fat.

The statistics

During the past 20 years, there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States and rates remain high. To date, about one-third of U.S. adults (33.8%) are obese. Approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2—19 years are obese. In 2010, no state had a prevalence of obesity less than 20%. Thirty-six states had a prevalence of 25% or more; 12 of these states (Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan,

On Being a Student of Your Sport

Ah…school days.  In our junior year of high school, we look forward to graduation while we begin the process of applying to colleges for the purpose of…more education.  Toward the end of our four year stint at the university, we contemplate graduate school, law school, medical school…more education.  With the celebration of every milestone, there stands a reminder that school isn’t quite “out.”  How quickly we learn that it never really is. 

 

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the healthcare field; and for good reason.  Whether its traditional Western medicine, or so-called “Alternative” medicine, when working as a healthcare practitioner, it is the most basic of premises that providers “first, do no harm.” To that end, most every discipline in the healthcare industry requires that some form of continuing education be completed regularly in an attempt to “force” rank and file and higher ups alike, to stay abreast of current research, new findings, evolving techniques, and other information. The implication is that without a mandate, many would not take the time to further their knowledge and thus, quality of care would decline.  The fitness industry, for the record, is held to the same standard.

 

Staying Motivated...it's Up to You

Today's post is a great little article by Steve Goodier that I wanted to share with you. It reminds me that staying motivated requires the same effort we give to our exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle pursuits and if we rely on others to supply it, our results will be temporary. It's great "training" for every aspect of your life...                                                 

ALL FILLED UP

I recall reading that a man from Virginia Beach (Virginia, USA) filed a law suit against his hospital. He opted to have surgery in order to lose weight. So he had his stomach stapled -- a procedure that reduced the size of his stomach so he couldn't eat as much.

A couple of days after surgery he sneaked down the hospital corridors to the kitchen. There he raided the refrigerator and