|
|
|
Corn Syrup In Soda - Culprit In The Obesity Epidemic?
The Glycemic Index offers an interesting, and scientifically valid, way of assessing the types of carbohydrates we eat. It measures and rates the way these carbohydrates enter the bloodstream. And in doing so offers a way of approaching a meal so...
Health And Fitness Software, What Should Be In It? Part 1
Let’s keep the answer simple; everything that is related to your health.
The most important indicators for your state of health can be measured though your vital signs, like blood pressure, cholesterol level, heart beat, body mass index...
Immunity and the immune system
Since the 1930's the western diet has dramatically changed. This change is due to the change in farming from the natural farming process which has developed over 1000's of years to a modern scientific farming which has changed farming into an...
Long Live Viagra!
Sex had always been a hush-hush matter with in the four walls of the bedroom of a couple; but now the social taboo is fast seen reversing. Thanks to the anti-impotency oral pills like Viagra. Men have never been so open about their sexual actions...
Stimulate Testosterone For Better Health
Many work force ar not even aware that testosterone levels descent after eld 40 which tin lead to depression and deficiency of interest in sexual activity. Here some simple ways to naturally step-up energy and libido. (PRWEB) March 11, 2005 -- The...
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obesity, What's The 'Big' Deal
Obesity, what’s the “big” deal?
-------------------------------------------------------------------
This article has been provided by Dr. M. Montgomery at
www.healthyunderstanding.com
Dr. Montgomery is a practicing Chiropractor in Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nowadays, so much of the public is obese (fat) that it is the
“norm”. So much so, that we are starting to ignore this
epidemic.
Thankfully, the Surgeon General has issued a warning about
the plague of obesity that has been considered to be as
significant or moreso than the warning issued about the
hazards of cigarette smoke.
As long as you are carrying extra weight (beyond the
acceptable upper limits of body fat), you increase your risks
for a variety of health complaints.
These complaints and risks include conditions such as
diabetes, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure,
osteoarthritis, and more.
-----
Definition of Obesity and Overweight
Obesity has been defined as an abnormal accumulation of
body fat in proportion to body size. Overweight persons,
although still technically obese, will have a body-fat
proportion that is intermediate between normal and
obese. (1)
-----
Some Common Excuses for Being Obese
This section will probably ruffle the feathers of some
people who read it. It is not meant to be demeaning or
belittling. Rather it is meant to shed light on some of the
“unhealthy” thought patterns that contribute to obesity, its
consequences, and other conditions.
A lot of people will say to themselves and others
something like
“Yeah, I’m a bit overweight but I feel okay about
it” or “Maybe I’m carrying a few extra pounds,
but so is everyone else” or even
“I might be fat, but I can lose it anytime I want”.
Other things that you might hear someone else say are
things like “Jeez, you look pretty good …”
“for someone who just had a baby” or …
“for someone who has had three kids” (my wife
absolutely hates hearing those ‘compliments’) or
…
“for someone who hasn’t played hockey in ten
years.”
Then of course there are the “medical” excuses. “I’ve got
metabolic syndrome”, “ever since my surgery, I’ve had
no energy”, “my knees hurt”, “I have arthritis”, “It’s
hereditary”, “I’ve got asthma” …
All of the above probably have a seed of truth in them for
many people. However, more often than not, these
excuses are a way to avoid doing something that you
don’t want to do, such as getting more exercise, or
controlling your eating habits.
Why does this occur? Because we are in D.E.N.I.A.L.
(an addictions counselor/mental health worker told me
that it stood for Don’t Even (k)no(w) I Am Lying).
-----
Lifestyle Factors
Today’s life is, no doubt, incredibly hectic and seems to
be getting moreso every passing year. Gone are the days
when most people in our society must do heavy physical
labour every day just to survive. Automation has created
many labour saving devices. This in turn has created a
largely sedentary, inactive society.
Look at the kids today. Instead of being outside playing
shinny or a game of pick-up basketball, or any of
thousands of other outdoor activities, they are inside
playing video games or getting mesmerized by the T.V.
Patricia Markham Risica (2) writes that …
The number of people affected by obesity
continues to rise along with the prevalence of
comorbid diseases that result from this condition.
What could be considered the modern-day plague,
caused by higher consumption and less
expenditure of energy, has been broken down into
its economic components by Eric Finkelstein.[1,2]
The likely economic culprits for the marked
increases
observed in the 1980s and '90s include
the increased availability of higher-calorie-dense
foods, increased portion sizes, and lower overall
costs of food along with increased exposure to
television advertising of the same products. These
trends are coupled with the earlier trends from the
'60s and '70s of lower energy expenditure at work,
more women in the workforce, and not making
family meals at home. The increased prevalence
of obesity carries a parallel increased demand for
economic resources; 5% to 7% of total medical
expenditures are already being devoted to this
very costly condition.[1,3,4]
And she further writes that …
Obesity and overweight (the term preferred by the
American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, and other
organizations when referring to children and
adolescents due to the potential negative
connotations associated with "obesity")[5]
represent a challenge of vast dimensions to the
public health community, with causes of the
epidemic permeating American society.
Americans are surrounded by facilitators of an
eat-more/expend-less society -- from the
individual and family; to the food producers,
processors, sellers, and advertisers; to the city
planners of our neighborhoods; to the business
organizations that demand our time during the day
and the media that entertain us in the evening.
Clinicians generally are not equipped to control
this epidemic that greets them every day.
Behavioral change counseling is not in their
repertoire and effective treatments are not readily
available; in fact, even when they are available,
such programs are usually not reimbursed by
third-party payers.
-----
In today’s society, the cost of eating in a healthy fashion
is more often than not, much more expensive than eating
all of the garbage that is available. Additionally, in
virtually all processed foods, there is some sort of
additive which will increase hunger and cravings.
(reminds me of a line from “So I Married An Axe
Murderer” with Mike Myers were his father was
discussing “the Colonel” and how he puts an addictive
chemical in his chicken to “make you crave it
fortnightly!”) Nowadays the home vegetable garden plot
is fast disappearing which again will limit the availability
of wholesome produce at a lower cost.
Look at artificial sweeteners. They have the ability to
artificially increase your hunger. Not only that, but when
they break down in your body, some very harmful
chemicals can appear. One particular artificial sweetener
is in over 2000 products! Think of the impact on society.
Try finding chewing gum without it.
All of the above can contribute in some small or even in
some large way to increase the increasingly present
burden of obesity.
Until next time…
Yours in Health,
Dr. M. Montgomery @ www.healthyunderstanding.com
-----
References
1. Obesity. Jonathan Q. Purnell, M.D.,
Medscape.com
2. Prevention of Overweight and Obesity: Focus on
Children and Adolescents. Patricia Markham
Risica, Dr.PH, RD, Medscape.com
Disclaimer: As always, check with your health care provider to see
if this information applies to you. Due diligence is your
responsibility. This information is meant to supplement your
knowledge, not to replace your own decision making process or take
the place of your health care provider.
This is a commercial newsletter provided free by
HealthyUnderstanding.com
This newsletter may be distributed in its entirety without alteration.
About the Author
Dr. Montgomery is the creator of www.HealthyUnderstanding.com. He is in private Chiropractic practice in Saskatoon, SK, Canada. He has practised in both Canada and Australia.
|
|
|
|
|
| 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 |
|
|