The recipe to knowing how to live healthier and longer, but don’t forget to do the cooking

We live for generations relying more on treatment versus prevention (secondary versus primary care). Yes we have drastically improved in the health care system knowledge in leaning more to primary through further research and technology in the past 30 years and more but society has to make a better attempt in following the knowledge we know. Also, we have advanced in practicing prevention to some degree in our American country but not enough by the people in it. The society in our nation making up America has too many that rely on treatment rather than prevention, regarding prevention to diseases or illnesses that develop due to poor eating and poor health habits. Adults alone are 65% obese which is a main cause for certain diseases remaining on the rise in this country due to living lives like some did 30 years ago. These diseases are still on the rise due to our population increase from 30 years ago and some of our people regarding their eating habits out of and even in their homes. When I say American culture that includes the restaurant industries (fast food joints) and social acceptance of the do’s and don’ts in our communities (based on what’s allowed on TV and even radio to advertising companies promoting burgers with French fries on them for example). Out of homes in America we are exposed to many behaviors that can set back our health from fast foods, lack of allowing kids to play in a baseball fields playing all types of active sports with safe/ responsible adults in the fields or allowing kids to use playgrounds because in most cases they don’t have a permit to use that area due to their county rules causing children to have an increase in the desire to be non-active due to already being in front of the computer several hours a day or even watching TV instead of just doing 30 to 60 minutes of exercise squeezed in their daily schedules somewhere with their parents if needed for safety. If they could do it 50 years ago they can fit it in 30 or 60 minutes today or should you have had the child (meaning make the time, it is for their benefit). Enough of parents are both working today and can’t afford the time to even be in the play fields with their young ones trying to get food to the table or paying monthly bills. So if day care centers or better even schools get involved than they should be fitting in active exercising, again the least 30 to 60 minutes a day (that’s all, I’m not saying 4 hours like a football game). Because of this non-active and poor dieting behavior we inflict on ourselves and young ones either increasing risks of or the cause of or worsening of diseases or illnesses in American citizens (again due to poor diet and habits). Any citizen in this country that has these problems diagnosed already also; ending line its due to the diet or the poor health habits practiced in the individual’s life, unless born with, that in the end causes weight gain to obesity and sedentary lifestyle in a child besides an adult, as well. If you and others knew in our country the baby steps in becoming healthier NOW not tomorrow (Ex. You’ve heard the line I’ll start next month with next month never happening or this will be my New Year’s resolution on Christmas and it’s already forgotten on Jan. 1st) which over years could benefit your life line by giving it high probability that you would be extending it dramatically if you followed through with your goal, especially if you start in your younger years with no illness/disease or very little. Unfortunately a lot end up with the poor health due to their sedentary life style being started through their diet and poor healthy habits. Don’t put it off anymore, take the first step, and make the change our home sweet home needs to have happen which will increase the changes you need to a better mind and body. Join me with others in learning healthy habits. Prevent the following diseases that obesity (poor diet and habits) can cause, which are:

 

  1. High Blood Pressure–High blood pressure is the primary cause of death among Americans older than 25. About 75 million people suffer from high blood pressure or hypertension, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. Blood pressure tends to increase with weight gain and age. It is through logic why high B/P is associated with obesity. However, research has shown that obese patients displayed an increase in blood volume and arterial resistance causing more stress to the heart=lack of 02 to the heart. For people who are overweight and have high blood pressure, losing as little as 8 pounds can help reduce blood pressure to a safe level the key is get in your body mass index or therapeutic weight.
  2. Diabetes (DM)–Obesity is considered one of the most significant factors in the development of insulin resistance, and insulin resistance can lead to type 2 diabetes. According to the World Health Organization, more than 90 percent of diabetes patients worldwide have type 2 diabetes. Being overweight or obese contributes to the development of diabetes by making cells more resistant to the effects of insulin. Insulin allows glucose (simple sugar) to pass into our cells and tissues, if not hyperglycemia will happen=DM. A weight loss of 15-20 pounds can help you decrease your risk of developing type 2 diabetes
  3. Heart Disease — According to the American Heart Association, obesity is a major risk factor for developing coronary heart disease, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. People who are overweight again stress the heart out, & are at a greater risk of suffering a heart attack before the age of 45. Obese adolescents have a greater chance of having a heart attack before the age of 35 than non-obese adolescents. If you are overweight, losing 10-15 pounds can reduce your risk of developing heart disease. If you exercise regularly, the risk of developing heart disease falls even more.
  4. High Cholesterol levels — High cholesterol is one of the leading causes of heart attacks. Cholesterol is transported through your blood in two ways: the low density lipoprotein (LDL), which transports cholesterol to the cells that need it, and the high density lipoprotein (HDL), which is the healthy cholesterol that reduces your risk for heart attack. Having high LDL levels raises your risk of having heart disease by 20 percent. Losing 11-20 pounds can help you significantly reduce your cholesterol level.
  5. Cancer — A study by the American Heart Association found that being overweight increases your chances for developing cancer by 50 percent. Women have a higher risk of developing cancer if they are more than 20 pounds overweight. Regular exercise and a weight loss of as little as 12 pounds can significantly decrease the risk.
  6. Infertility — Being obese can cause changes in the hormonal levels of women, which can result in ovarian failure. Women who are 15-25 pounds overweight are at a higher risk of suffering from infertility and ovarian cancer. Our bodies need to be at an appropriate weight to produce the right amount of hormones and regulate ovulation and menstruation. Don’t think men are immune to infertility. Overweight men have a greater chance of developing motility and a lower sperm count. Shedding 12-14 pounds can help you lower the risks.
  7. Back Pain — Obesity is one the contributing factors of back and joint pain. Excessive weight can cause injury to the most vulnerable parts of the spine, which carries the body’s weight. When it has to carry excess weight, the odds of suffering from a spinal injury or structural damage increase. Being overweight also raises the risk of developing osteoporosis, lower back pain, arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Losing 10-15 pounds can help you decrease the risk of developing these problems.
  8. Skin Ulcers & leading to infected ulcers — Obese and overweight individuals may have skin that folds over on itself. These creased areas can become irritated from the rubbing and sweating, which can cause alteration in the skin from a rash first forming to an actual ulcer of the skin occuring that can lead to ulcer skin infections (local infections) that can go further into systemic infections (which is an infection throughout the circulatory system).
  9. Gastric Ulcers — According to a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), obesity can be a contributing factor to the development of gastric ulcers. Gastric ulcers occur when there is an imbalance between the amount of hydrochloric acid that is secreted and the enzyme pepsin. Overweight men are at a greater risk of developing gastric ulcers than women. A weight loss of as little as 7 pounds can help reduce the risk.
  10. Gallstones — Being severely overweight increases the risk of developing gallstones, especially in women. Gallstones are caused when the liver releases excessive amounts of bile, which is stored in the gallbladder. Gallstones are more common in older women and those with a family history of gallstones. Losing 4-9 pounds reduces the risk of developing gallstones. Moderate exercise also can help lower your risk.

If you are healthy but need to know the key to decreasing disease or illness later in life or suffer from type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes, cardiac disease including high blood pressure or cholesterol and need to lose weight with living a better diet & practicing healthier habits, I can help you get the knowledge in understanding why it is s so imperative to manage without or with the disease through nutrition and fitness education including behavior modification in learning healthy habits that will help you lose weight or even prevent disease.

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