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Darlene Booth
R.N.C.P
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....We used to hear a lot about the population explosion but lately this term could be applied to a new awareness. It seems as the world population continues to increase in numbers, we are also increasing in individual size. Global obesity has reached epidemic proportions in many developing nations.
.....In the past few decades, Canada’s obesity rates have increased substantially. Since the 1970’s the incidence of obesity in children has almost tripled. This 		...
....We have convenienced ourselves out of an active lifestyle with all our modern appliances and such. Physical effort used to be the only way to get things done now we barely have to lift a finger to get most chores done. More and more we have become a society of sitters. We sit in a car, at a computer screen and in front of the television. This is the lifestyle our children have inherited. It does not help that physical education is not mandatory in our high schools and enrolling
not only leads to more health complications in the youth but an increase in likelihood that obesity will be an issue in their adult years. An estimated 23% of the adult Canadian population is considered to be obese.
..... Obesity affects our health on many levels. In our society, a slim body is often a measure of beauty and success. For those with weight issues, the pressure to conform will often lead to feelings of inadequacy, shame and depression. For others it can contribute to developing eating disorders such as binging, anorexia and bulimia. Obesity is a risk factor for many physical problems including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, joint problems, sleep problems, strokes, fatty liver disease, gall bladder disease and many cancers. Obesity is second only to smoking for contributing to preventable deaths.
.....We gain weight when we take
A widely accepted method of determining a healthy weight range is by using the Body Mass Index to measure how much body fat you are carrying. This is a fairly simple BMI calculation. You can also find many BMI calculators online.
1. Multiply your weight in pounds by 705.
2. Divide by your height in inches.
3. Divide this number by your height in inches a second time.
A normal Adult BMI is 18.5–24.9. You are considered overweight from 25.0 – 29.9, obese from 30 – 39.9 and morbidly obese if you are 40 or greater. Your family doctor can help you determine where your child falls within this range.
family a small fortune.
.....We also have to look at psychological patterns. Why do we eat? Many of us use food or alcohol for recreation, to combat stress or to relieve boredom. Ex smokers often find themselves gaining weight partly due to a slower metabolism and partly due to that fact that food has become a substitute for cigarettes.
.....Genetics also plays a role. If one or both parents were obese your risk is higher. Also at play is age. Our caloric needs decrease as our age and appetites increase. Weight gain may also be related to medical problems, hormonal imbalances and the use of some medications. Regular check ups can help identify problem areas. There really is no magic pill or quick fix to managing your weight. It begins with awareness. Be aware of what you are eating and why you are eating it. Weed out the junk foods and only eat when you are truly hungry.
in more calories than we spend. Improper diet and lack of exercise are certainly major contributors to obesity. The food manufacturing industry is always finding a new way to feed us inferior nutrition under the guise of convenience and we are filling our shopping carts and menus with it. You can watch those empty calories add up if you start to pay attention to them. For some, even an extra 100 calories a day can add up to many unwanted pounds over the years. ... Make room in your life for 30-60 minutes of brisk daily exercise.
.....According to the World Health Organization, of the estimated 1 billion overweight adults on the planet, 300 million are considered obese. If you are struggling with the battle of the bulge, you are not alone. It may help to find a support group and exchange stories with other people with the same issues. Cultivating a positive outlook and combining it with a realistic game plan can help you move in the direction you wish to go.
 
 

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