There are clear differences in how lifestyles affect health and disease over the centuries. In 1900 the three leading causes of death were tuberculosis (11.3%), pneumonia (10.2%) and diarrhea diseases (8.1%). Before the use of antibiotics and at a time when issues with sanitation presented a public health problem, leading causes of death were from infectious disease. One hundred years later in the year 2000, heart disease leads with most deaths (31.4%), followed by cancer (23.3%) and stroke (6.9%). Clearly, our lifestyle is the root of many of the metabolic disorders that result in our demise.
Weight control is certainly one of the most important thing we can work on as a nation. Not only is it important for adults to maintain healthy weights, but it is critical to set healthy examples for children or we surely may experience a generation of children who will not outlive their parents.
According to data published by the American Dietetic Association, many consumers have no idea what their own nutritional, weight or diet status is. Parents do not perceive their children’s nutritional status properly either, not recognizing the long-term health problems with overweight kids. In many cases, parents are disengaged from their kids eating habits and believe they will outgrow their weight; and they don’t know how to help.
Here's a place to start for the New Year: Start setting a good role model for all of the children around you. Here are some easy steps:
1. Don’t skip breakfast. Have a high fiber, low sugar bowl of cereal with 1% or non-fat milk every morning. Alternate days with a toasted oat bran English muffin or other low fat whole grain. Include a glass of low fat milk or real orange juice.
2. Get help. If you can’t do it on your own (and many can’t), find the help and support you need. Ask your doctor to refer you to a registered dietitian or health educator; find out what your insurance or employer covers and take advantage of all services; sign up for the Real Living Balance Program; look at any out of pocket costs as a true investment in your future (the cost of a visit with a registered dietitian is equivalent to a visit to the beauty shop or nail salon).
3. Add daily activity instead of finding ways to avoid it. Park your car and walk around town. Use the steps more at home instead of trying to conserve trips. Use your lunch hour for a 10-15 minute walk, or as the days begin to get longer, take a walk after dinner.
4. Involve your children in your activity. Start a “Saturday Morning Hike” event and allow each family member to choose a location, park, or trail.
5. Buy less processed food. The convenience of frozen, boxed, dehydrated, and microwavable foods has had its advantages, but is taking its toll on our eating habits. Purchase less. Sure a frozen bag of plain (no sauces) vegetables is great to have in the freezer, but the multitude of other high fat, high sodium frozen items is not so good. Think fresher for 2011: Browse farmer's markets to purchase local produce, find simple recipes to make cooking dinner easier, yet still healthier (like those found in Hypertension Cookbook For Dummies or Mediterranean Diet Cookbook For Dummies).
Decide now to take control of your own health. You'll feel better, have more energy, and look better. Happy New Year.
About the Author:
Rosanne Rust is a licensed, registered dietitian, nutrition coach and freelance writer. She is a licensed provider for Real Living Nutrition Services® and the co-author of The Calorie Counter for Dummies®. Try the Mini Diet Makeover to find out if your diet is in balance by going to Rosanne's webpage!
