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DID YOU KNOW

That America has an epidemic of obesity that needs immediate attention.

Nearly half of American adults report that they do not exercise at all, and seven out of 10 that do, do so infrequently. Too many of American youths do not exercise at all, are overweight and have poor dietary habits. Data tells us that 15%-30% of our children are overweight or obese. There are five chronic diseases associated with obesity- heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive diseases (bronchitis, emphysema, asthma) and diabetes. These account for more than 2/3 of all DEATHS in the United States. Obesity contributes to 1.7 Million American lives every year. The issue also hinders daily living for more than 10% of the people, or 25 Million people every day. More than 100 Million Americans are dealing with these chronic diseases and millions more are being diagnosed each year. The most shocking part about all of this bad news is that most of it can be prevented with good nutrition and some easy activities, like walking.

Stop digging your graves with a knife and a fork! The fast food craze, combined with our busy lives is not healthy. You can help in this area by setting a day every week for fast food and holding to fast foods only on that day. No straying from the schedule. On the other days 5 fruits and or vegetables every day. An 8 oz. glass of 2%, or better yet, Skim milk at each meal. A healthy intake of fiber. What is fiber? Cereals, and whole wheat bread, with minimal butter or try "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter". It's better for you. Eat lean meats for protein. Have Chicken and Fish 3 times per week, but target 3-5 ounces. Stay away from deep frying. This really isn't that hard to do.

Next walk 20 minutes at a moderate pace 3-4 times per week, before dinner. That's about a mile. If you have a stairway, walk up and down the stairs 3 times in a row, before breakfast 3-4 times per week. Take a can of vegetables and hold it waist high. Lift it to your chin 20 times with each arm. Do this 3-4 times per week. That's it. Exercise over. This won't help you lose a lot of weight quickly. But, it will get you away from the television, away from the table, and if you do this with your child, it will help them to develop the right habits. You'll start to feel better, you'll start to look better, and people, especially family will start to notice. Much of the change will be attitude and not physical looks but it will be noticed.

Television 2 hours per night maximum for children, and that includes video games.

Many schools have reduced P.E. classes. Ask them why. They'll tell you budget, but, your children need it. Challenge them. There are P.E. requirements. Make sure your child is getting it and make sure that they don't opt out of it.

You and I have a responsibility to ourselves, our partners and our children. It isn't hard. Take the mindset of having some fun with this and "just do it."

Learn more about this author, Rick De Bruyne.
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