A RENEWED YOU!

EZ talks with Jennifer Hudson on her renewed self and perspective!

Spring has sprung and it is time to get out there and get your swagger back! The winter has been long and very unpredictable but now it’s time to get serious about reclaiming our health towards building a healthier, happier RENEWED you!

We must get back to enjoying the great outdoors. Playing tennis, kickball, volleyball, biking, hiking or just plain old walking. America, especially Black America has become literally sick because we have opted to become less active.

When traveling abroad, namely France- there were people eating fresh pasta, crepes and caught that day fish and meats with fresh herbs and enjoying red wine at most meals. The people were happy and in amazing shape despite the decadence that was found at every corner.

The difference in most foreign countries is that the people were far more active in normal functioning. They often ride bicycles or walk to their chosen destination. Additionally, most meals are prepared from scratch rather than parboiled in fatty greases like the fast foods most working Americans seem to inhale with no regard for the high fats and substandard by products.

The Academia

Obesity compared with whites, Blacks had 51% higher and Hispanics had 21% higher obesity rates.

In most of the states examined, blacks had the highest prevalence (number of existing cases in a defined group of people during a specific time period) of obesity, followed by Hispanics, and then whites. Greater prevalences of obesity for non-Hispanic blacks and whites were found in the Midwest and South. Among Hispanics lower prevalence was observed in the Northeast compared to other regions.

Among blacks in 45 states and DC with sufficient respondents, the prevalence of obesity ranged from 23.0% to 45.1%, with a total of 40 states having an obesity prevalence of ≥30%, including 5 states (Alabama, Maine, Mississippi, Ohio, and Oregon) with a prevalence of ≥ 40%.

Among Hispanics in 50 states and DC, the prevalence of obesity ranged from 21.0% to 36.7%, with 11 states having an obesity prevalence of ≥ 30%. Among whites in 50 states and DC, the prevalence of obesity ranged from 9.0% to 30.2%, with only one state (West Virginia) having a prevalence of ≥ 30%; 5 states (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, and New Mexico and DC had an obesity prevalence of < 20%.

At least three reasons may account for the racial and ethnic differences in obesity. First, racial and ethnic groups differ in behaviors that contribute to weight gain; second explanation may be differences in individual attitudes and cultural norms related to body weight. A third explanation may be differences in access to affordable, healthful foods and safe locations to be physically active; this limited access may negatively impact diet and physical activity levels.

The high prevalence of obesity across all the racial/ethnic groups highlights the importance of implementing effective intervention strategies among the general U.S. population. Given the significant racial and ethnic disparities in obesity prevalence, it is also crucial to ensure that racial/ethnic groups with the greatest need benefit most from these intervention efforts and are engaged in helping identify effective strategies in their communities. To reduce racial and ethnic disparities in the prevalence of obesity, an effective public health response is needed that includes surveillance, policies, programs, and supportive environments achieved through the effort of government, communities, workplaces, schools, families, and individuals.

SOURCE:

Obesity among children

Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. The prevalence of obesity among children aged 6 to 11 years increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008. The prevalence of obesity among adolescents aged 12 to 19 years increased from 5.0% to 18.1%.1,2

Obesity is the result of caloric imbalance (too few calories expended for the amount of calories consumed) and is mediated by genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors.3,4 Childhood obesity has both immediate and long-term health impacts:

• Obese youth are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. In a population-based sample of 5- to 17-year-olds, 70% of obese youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

• Children and adolescents who are obese are at greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem.

• Obese youth are more likely than youth of normal weight to become overweight or obese adults, and therefore more at risk for associated adult health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer, and osteoarthritis.

Healthy lifestyle habits, including healthy eating and physical activity, can lower the risk of becoming obese and developing related diseases.3

SOURCE:

Health Consequences

Research has shown that as weight increases to reach the levels referred to as “overweight” and “obesity,”* the risks for the following conditions also increases:1

• Coronary heart disease

• Type 2 diabetes

• Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)

• Stroke

• Liver and Gallbladder disease

• Sleep apnea and respiratory problems

• Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)

• Gynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility)

*Overweight is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher; obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher. For more, see Defining Obesity.

For more information about these and other health problems associated with overweight and obesity, visit Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults .

SOURCE:

The Spirit“He said “If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.

Obedience brings health Exodus 15:26

It takes hard work, dedication, patience and will power to get healthy. But once one learns HOW to properly eat, it can become an integral part of living.

“Dear friend I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” 3 John 1:2

“That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep”

1 Corin 11:30

Physical health connected to spiritual health

The Choice/Solutions

• Change your daily habits

• Reduce or eliminate alcoholic beverages. There are a lot of carbohydrates in the drinks we have during cocktail hour.

• Reduce or eliminate carbonated beverages. Limit your soda intake.

• Consume more vegetables, proteins, grains, water and vitamin rich fruits (oranges, berries, bananas, etc.)

• Reduce cooking with and eating salt/sodium, sugar, flour and fats (especially fried foods)

• Increase cardiovascular activities (running, walking briskly, jumping rope, swimming, etc.).

• Get more exercise by incorporating it into your daily activities. Park further from the door, lift the cans in the kitchen to get toner arms, jump rope, walk the dog more or just walk more period.

• Reduce or eliminate consuming large portions

• Reduce or eliminate consuming red meat, organ meat, and/or processed meat

• Reduce or eliminate the consumption of processed foods in general (no more government cheese or Velveeta cheese product). Ummm hmmm that’s right cut out all that Macaroni and cheese at every get together!!!! Make a salad instead.

• Stop eating at the carry out. It will also save you a lot of money for actual groceries!

• Go grocery shopping and select healthier foods.

• Make it fun! Get your folks in on the healthy kick. Show them that you really love them by sharing new recipes, working out together or going motivation shopping (basically window shopping for the things you are going to buy once you lose the goal weight).

The Resources

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My Weight Doctor :

Tocarra’s new workout video:

Written by : Royal~Ti

@wURkerbee