|
|
Childhood Obesity—The Modern Health Dilemma
You see it on the playgrounds, at roller rinks, at swimming pools, and in classrooms. Obesity is a modern health dilemma for today’s children, who are struggling with weight as never before. It is a difficult problem to combat, given the fact...
Dont CRI - Part 1
Hey Don't Cri ! Part -1 "Usually I creep into the poor guys neck first and he calls me the pain in the neck. How superficial? I think when he speaks to friends like that. He usually helps me by working more and caring less about the problems I...
FIFTY TIPS FOR A SLIMMER SHAPE
The majority of Americans are overweight (Big surprise, huh?) Below are some tips I have given to my patients (and vice versa) in helping to lose weight. Many of them you've probably heard of, and some may be new to you. Some are serious, and...
The Research Proven Supplements for Adult-Onset Diabetes (Type II)
Q: What are some good herbs for diabetes? Answer: All of the following info is based on research. See the references at the end of the article. Typical Western (M.D.) Diabetes Treatments and Side Effects Along with the usual lifestyle...
What Causes Insomnia and Who Suffers From It?
It is commonplace for several people to suffer at least an
occasional night of almost non-existent sleep. The causes of
insomnia differ from person to person. What made a student
insomniac varies from what caused a shift worker or a traveler
or...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nosebags in the corner and tears in our eyes
“What have you given me!” she recoiled. I sat there in the passenger seat, suddenly feeling ill at ease as sweetheart swerved to avoid the taste in her mouth. How quickly my attempt at romance had resulted in embarrassment. It was all quite scary really. All I’d given her was an Opal Fruit. One of the purple ones. I chewed smugly on my strawberry one, much milder, safe in the knowledge that I wouldn’t encounter citric anguish.
To redress the balance I tried one of the purple ones next. Heck! She had a point. Made to make our eyes water, obviously. I don’t remember sweets being this intense.
I haven’t really thought about sweets since my childhood. I don’t have a sweet tooth, so why should I? It’s only since I’ve had step-kids, for about a year now, that things such as Opal Fruits now find themselves secreted in the glove box.
Starburst, as we all know were called Opal Fruits. I wasn’t really allowed sweets as a kid … only the other day I was going on about how I didn’t have Frosties for breakfast but I vividly remember growing up eating Country Store in the mornings. Anyone remember Country Store? As insipid to a child as Alpen but without any of the forgiving flavours. At least Alpen offered hope. Back then, a raisin was hallowed.
Anyhow, I digress; Opal Fruits. The first time I had an Opal Fruit was at some friend’s birthday party. I was around six at the time and these sweets were being handed out on a plate and because they were new to me, I didn’t realise the wrapper was still on. Funny sweet, I thought … intricate design yet curiously papery in texture. Oh, happy, embarrassing days.
Apart from that instance with the Opal Fruit, and the staple diet of Country Store, an annual visit to the local Wimpy was akin to a religious experience.
All this talk of food is for a reason, I assure you. As many of you will know, Kraft were recently in the news due to their having decided to have a rethink about their foodstuffs.
The company have decided that they are going to start trying to make their food “less unhealthy.” I like that bit. “Less unhealthy”, a bumbling statement from a food giant, a clumsy attempt to not really say anything but say something a bit positive-ish … if they must.
Made me smile. (“Daren’t say ‘more healthy’, Mr. President, we just can’t …they’ll be onto us like a rash.”)
This turnaround has come about due to the fact that people suffering from obesity and its associated illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, strokes and cancer are beginning to sue food companies for their weight problems.
Macdonald’s have already come under fire from collective obesity saying they made it fat and as such the company have begun offering fruit and a new range of salads. Will it catch on?
Personally, if you wanted a salad, you wouldn’t be going to Macdonald’s. Silly idea in my opinion and really, I’m sure it would just be rain forest we would be eating anyhow. Still, a wonderful marketing exercise just sprung to mind. Rather than the company just chop down the forests to make way for grazing areas, Macdonald’s customers could eat it. All that added roughage, you see. Two birds (of the endangered variety) just flew across my subconscious …
Obesity: I certainly don’t remember seeing so many overweight people around when I was younger and I’m still only in my early 30s. Scientific research has proved that, globally, the number of people suffering from obesity has risen by 50% in the last seven years. You just have to question modern food and modern lifestyles. I rode my bike when I was younger. My step-son just kills people. This would of course keep him lithe because he’d be constantly on the run, but the people he kills are just computer animated.
He does however have one lovely advantage over many kids his age – his mum’s dominant genes. She’s as svelte as they come and so are her kids. Him and his sister have something else going for them. A step-father brought up on Country Store. If I were to notice a weight change in the kids, you’ll know why they suddenly begin to dread breakfast. As for the parents in our house, we’ll just stick to the Starburst. That way, our appetites will never be overly “vast”.
We’ll be the ones with a nosebag in the corner full of purple sweets and tears in our eyes.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Freelance Journalist: a young gentleman specialising in bewildered think-pieces, autobiographical in nature.
|
|
|
|
|
American Diabetes Association Home Page |
Their mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by this disease. Available in English and Spanish. |
www.diabetes.org |
  |
Diabetes Information - American Diabetes Association |
The American Diabetes Association recommends the FPG because it is easier, ... Take the first steps toward better diabetes care by visiting the Diabetes ... |
www.diabetes.org |
  |
Diabetes UK home page - Diabetes UK |
Diabetes UK is the largest organisation in the UK working for people with diabetes, funding research, campaigning and helping people live with the ... |
www.diabetes.org.uk |
  |
Canadian Diabetes Association |
To promote the health of Canadians through diabetes research, education, service, and advocacy. |
www.diabetes.ca |
  |
Diabetes information including treating type 2 diabetes at ... |
Offers dietary recommendations, including recipes and tips on managing blood sugar levels. From GlaxoSmithKline. |
www.diabetes.com |
  |
Diabetes |
Web site for Diabetes. ... publishes Diabetes. Stanford University Libraries' HighWire Press ® assists in the publication of Diabetes Online ... |
diabetes.diabetesjournals.org |
  |
CDC Diabetes Public Health Resource |
The diabetes information homepage of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, provided by the CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation. |
www.cdc.gov |
  |
CDC - Health Topic: Diabetes |
Diabetes · Diabetes and Research Diagnostics · Diabetes Surveillance Report · FAQ's on Diabetes · Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon ... |
www.cdc.gov |
  |
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse |
Provides educational materials to increase knowledge and understanding about diabetes among patients, health care professionals, and the general public. |
diabetes.niddk.nih.gov |
  |
Diabetes mellitus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
For diabetes mellitus in pets, see diabetes in cats and dogs. ... Type 1 diabetes mellitus - formerly known as insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM), ... |
en.wikipedia.org |
  |
MedlinePlus: Diabetes |
(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) - Links to PDF ... Select services and providers for Diabetes in your area. ... |
www.nlm.nih.gov |
  |
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Diabetes |
Diabetes affects about 18 million Americans. There are many risk factors for ... These levels are considered to be risk factors for type 2 diabetes and its ... |
www.nlm.nih.gov |
  |
Diabetes |
What to expect from your diabetes diagnosis? Get up-to-the-minute information about medications, insulin, blood sugar management, nutrition requirements, ... |
diabetes.about.com |
  |
WebMD Diabetes Health Center - Information on Type 1 and Type 2 ... |
Find in-depth information here about diabetes prevention, diet, ... Study Shows Burned-Out Staffers More Likely to Get Type 2 DiabetesGo To Article ... |
www.webmd.com |
  |
WebMD Health - 404 Error |
Allergies|Anxiety Disorders|Arthritis|Asthma|Back Pain|Bipolar Disorder|Cancer|Children's Health|Cholesterol|Depression| Diabetes|Diet & Nutrition|Erectile ... |
www.webmd.com |
  |
Diabetes Overview |
Defines diabetes, including the various types and treatments. Provides information on the impact and cost of the disease, its increasing prevalence, ... |
www.niddk.nih.gov |
  |
Diabetes News - The New York Times |
A free collection of articles about diabetes published in The New York Times. |
topics.nytimes.com |
  |
children with DIABETES Online Community |
An online community for kids, families, and adults with diabetes, featuring message boards, chat rooms, and questions/answers from medical professionals. |
www.childrenwithdiabetes.com |
  |
International Diabetes Institute - Diabetes Research, Education ... |
The International Diabetes Institute is the leading national and international centre for diabetes research, diabetes education and diabetes care. |
www.diabetes.com.au |
  |
Diabetes New Zealand |
Educates and informs people about diabetes, its treatment, prevention, and cure of diabetes. |
www.diabetes.org.nz |
  |
|