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Dear Editor,
According to the Community Health Needs Assessment Report in Hamilton County, obesity in both adults and children is considered one of the top health issues in our community. In this study, 45 percent of the community members reported this as a problem we face. Residents of Hamilton County believe eating habits, lack of exercise and stress are the top contributing factors to obesity.
Obesity is a serious, chronic disorder that can have negative effects on many systems in your body. It is not a disease, per se; rather a complex disorder that is completely preventable.
Obesity can also lead to diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Heart disease and cancer are the leading causes of death in the United States. Obesity rates continue to increase drastically among children and adults.
We as a community need to come together and understand the negative impacts that we can face when obesity is left untreated. This has become a major issue as we start to see the promotion of unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as unhealthy food being more convenient and accessible, technology decreasing the amount of effort we use in our daily lives and an imbalanced promotion of a healthy life style choices.
We do not typically see gym memberships or healthy food choices being promoted in our lives. Healthy lifestyle choices are more expensive, adds stress to our lives and just does not appeal to the consumer.
First, I believe that we need to understand this is a real problem that the community faces to find the right solutions. If we do not believe this to be a real issue, then no one will believe that changes need to be made. There are many solutions that can be made at a local level. According to the CDC, community efforts should focus on supporting healthy eating and active living in a variety of settings, whether that be at home, work or school.
Nowadays, most people thrive off the technology that we use, such as our smart phones, TVs and many other devices. Promoting better lifestyle choices on commercials or within schools is a better alternative then promoting fast food or nothing at all. The consumer can subconsciously make better lifestyle choices when they are presented with knowledge and facts on these said choices.
Understanding the value of nutrition could also really help to see a change in people’s diets. If people don’t realize the risk they are putting their own lives in, they won’t change. Change must come from a willingness within oneself. It is not our job to change others’ lives, rather it is to help promote and give knowledge so that someone will be willing to make the change on their own.
If you can’t understand the negative impacts on your health and life, then you need to understand them for your children’s sake because it is the parent’s job to be a good role model. It is easy for a child to change his or her lifestyle to promote a better future, but that starts by setting a positive example as a parent. Promoting healthy behaviors with a healthier diet and more physical activity can set your children up for success. Making better choices for your health can prolong your life and teaching your children the positives of living a healthy lifestyle can prolong theirs.
Another solution I think would help to promote better lifestyle choices is getting more physical activity. If we could encourage more physical activity in community members’ lives, paired with healthy eating, we would see less obesity and more healthy people. The community could implement free or cheap programs that allow families to come together to increase their physical activity levels.
Not only does the community need to help with change, but you could also encourage less TV at home and instead try to go out for a walk or maybe even short breaks during work hours walking up the stairs. People need to realize every little bit will help.
Schools should also add healthier food and more exercise rather than only focusing on academics. Studies show that students as well as adults perform at their peak abilities when they do regular exercise. Physical activity paired with a healthy diet can help you to reach and maintain a healthy body weight, reduce your risk of chronic diseases (like heart disease and cancer) and promote your overall health.
Remember that every little bit does help. If you hope to see a brighter future, then I hope everyone will understand the need for more positive changes. I appreciate you for taking the time to read my letter.
Savannah Tagua
Ball State University