There's a move afoot to try and get Alabama to opt out of the new federal health care plan.
Ironically, to a certain extent, we can opt out in part by doing our best to avoid many health issues brought on by obesity.
The Montgomery metropolitan area, which includes Montgomery, Autauga, Elmore and Lowndes counties, has now overtaken the Huntington, West Virginia region as the most obese in the world. Our country is already the most obese in the world and we are the most obese in our country, with nearly 4 of every 10 of us obese and 8 of every 10 of us overweight.
While many health issues are not something we have any control over, the ones resulting from being overweight can be controlled in part, and we need to control them. It will save money, and our lives.
80% of type II diabetes is related to obesity, 70% of cardiovascular disease is related to obesity and more than 40% of those diagnosed with breast and colon cancer are obese.
Eating better – more fruits and vegetables – and less processed food, is a start.
Drinking more water and less soda would help as well.
Walking more and sitting less would really help.
We are fortunate to have 18 YMCA branches in our region that offer every kind of exercise choice, and assistance for those who can't afford it.
We need to take every opportunity to be fit – from an early age.
Hospital costs associated with childhood obesity continue to skyrocket as more than a quarter of our children are overweight.
Being active and working to shed pounds will help cut our health costs and the health costs for our region and our state.
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