TheBUZZ : America’s on the right track toward combating obesity?
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
Health promotion initiatives centered on healthy eating have started to put America on the right track toward combating obesity.
WHAT WE KNOW
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it’s currently estimated that over two-thirds of the American adult population (20 years and older) and one-third of American children are considered to be clinically overweight or obese! These numbers have been no secret to the public over the past few years and many health professionals have made enormous strides to try and combat this trend.
One of the most important areas of improvement has been nutrition education and promotions focused on educating Americans about making healthy eating choices. These messages center on including more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products in the diet and avoiding low-nutrient-dense foods that are high in calories.
It’s important to remember that creating a healthier America isn’t going to take place overnight. But, what we do today can put us on the right track for tomorrow. Amid all the negative press related to the health of this nation, remember to keep making positive changes in your life to improve your health for a better quality of life now … and in the future.
HOW DO WE KNOW THIS?
You don’t have to go far to see the efforts being made to change this trend. Many new and proposed programs have blossomed over the past few years to address the obesity concern and educate Americans about what changes are needed and how they can be made. So instead of only looking at the negative statistics related to our nation’s health, also recognize that America has taken some positive strides too!
See for yourself …
OUR ADVICE
Do your part in combating this trend by keeping active and adopting a healthy eating pattern! As a parent, you can change these trends directly by encouraging a healthy lifestyle in your family, especially your children. Remember that the eating habits your kids learn now … STICK into adulthood. So as a parent, you can even have a direct impact on the health trends of the next generation!
Start today by taking the Pledge to EAT MORE Fruits & Veggies! Just remember to go slowly when adopting a healthier lifestyle. Start by making small changes such as …
- Grabbing an apple instead of potato chips for a snack [See Top 10 Fruit Snacks]
- Packing carrots, grapes, celery or other fruits or vegetables as a snack instead of grabbing a candy bar
- Trying a new fruit or vegetable every week/every other week
- Trying kid-friendly recipes to get your kids involved/exciting about eating healthfully
- Eating/packing meals more often [See Tips]
- Swapping out soda, sports drinks and other sugary beverages for 100% juice
While it could take decades to change the obesity statistics in America, small changes can go a long way! Visit our Community Happenings in Your LOCAL Area section to see healthy events going on near you!
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