Obesity is sweeping across America like a storm. "If we don't do something about it now, we will pay the consequences later," the Surgeon General warns. The problem is growing worldwide, according to the president of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The health risks associated with obesity are too great to ignore. Diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and cancer drive health care costs up in the billions. But much of the cost associated with these diseases could be cut significantly, if people were to make smart food choices, get more exercise, and practice other healthy lifestyle habits.
As simple as that sounds, it could make a world of difference in the state of health of America. One place to start is with you. If you are Native American, African American or Hispanic, you should know that you have a greater chance of being overweight or obese and developing serious chronic diseases than people of other races.
But you should also know that you are not doomed because of your race. It just means that the struggle might be greater, in light of socio-economic conditions, cultural values, social mores, and lack of access to the health care you need and deserve.
What this says is that you have to take control of your life and your eating habits. Don't be snarled into fast food places to buy sodas, French fries, and burgers or nuggets loaded with blod vessel clogging, cholesterol-raisn saturated fats and more sodium than your body can handle.
Take charge. Choose to eat right. No one can do that for you. And on December 1, 2005, join millions of others around the world in saying "No," to junk food.