As Thanksgiving is upon us, it is the time of year many people will begin to focus on what they are thankful for. One thing that I hope is on your list of gratitude is your health. If you are healthy, being thankful that you are and take steps to stay that way. If you have had some health concerns this year, being thankful for the opportunity to make changes in your life that can reverse or manage your diagnosis. Being truly well is a tough objective as there are many levels and aspects to optimal health: your fitness level, your nutrition, being disease-free, mental health, financial health, and spiritual wellbeing are among the things that affect our lives every day.
According to Mike Adams, the Health Ranger: “Today, more than 95% of all chronic disease is caused by food choice, toxic food ingredients, nutritional deficiencies and lack of physical exercise.”
Currently, in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control Chronic diseases and conditions—such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and arthritis—are among the most common, costly, and preventable of all health problems.
(source http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/overview/).
• As of 2012, about half of all adults—117 million people—have one or more chronic health conditions. One of four adults has two or more chronic health conditions.
• Seven of the top 10 causes of death in 2010 were chronic diseases. Two of these chronic diseases—heart disease and cancer—together accounted for nearly 48% of all deaths.
• Obesity is a serious health concern. During 2009¬–2010, more than one-third of adults, or about 78 million people, were obese (defined as body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m2). Nearly one of five youths aged 2–19 years was obese (BMI ≥95th percentile).
• Arthritis is the most common cause of disability. Of the 53 million adults with a doctor diagnosis of arthritis, more than 22 million say arthritis causes them to have trouble with their usual activities.
• Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, lower limb amputations other than those caused by injury, and new cases of blindness among adults.
Health Risk Behaviors that Cause Chronic Diseases
Health risk behaviors are unhealthy behaviors you can change. Four of these health risk behaviors—lack of exercise or physical activity, poor nutrition, tobacco use, and drinking too much alcohol—cause much of the illness, suffering, and early death related to chronic diseases and conditions.
• In 2011, more than half (52%) of adults aged 18 years or older did not meet recommendations for aerobic exercise or physical activity. In addition, 76% did not meet recommendations for muscle-strengthening physical activity.
• About half of US adults (47%) have at least one of the following major risk factors for heart disease or stroke: uncontrolled high blood pressure, uncontrolled high LDL cholesterol, or are current smokers.8 Ninety percent of Americans consume too much sodium, increasing their risk of high blood pressure.
• In 2011, more than one-third (36%) of adolescents said they ate fruit less than once a day, and 38% said they ate vegetables less than once a day. In addition, 38% of adults said they ate fruit less than once a day, and 23% said they ate vegetables less than once a day.
• More than 42 million adults—close to 1 of every 5—said they currently smoked cigarettes in 2012. Cigarette smoking accounts for more than 480,000 deaths each year. Each day, more than 3,200 youth aged 18 years or younger smoke their first cigarette, and another 2,100 youth and young adults who smoke every now and then become daily smokers.
• Drinking too much alcohol is responsible for 88,000 deaths each year, more than half of which are due to binge drinking. About 38 million US adults report binge drinking an average of 4 times a month, and have an average of 8 drinks per binge, yet most binge drinkers are not alcohol dependent.
So, please, enjoy your turkey and your family this season, take it easy on the pie and liquor, manage your stress, and don’t fall off the fitness wagon with the idea of “starting over” at the gym on New Year’s Day. Remember, Thanksgiving is one day, not an excuse to eat unhealthy for a week or through the Christmas holiday.
If you’re interested in healthy treat ideas, check out my Facebook page for healthy recipes to get you through the holidays. https://www.facebook.com/liz.jones.1441810
Liz Jones is the Wellness Coordinator for the City of Mesquite and a wellness professional in Rockwall, Mesquite, Wylie and surrounding areas. She is a writer, certified yoga instructor, personal trainer and wellness coach. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management, with a graduate certificate in Ethics and Leadership. Her undergraduate studies included communication, business, writing, art, fitness, and dance. Liz Jones can be reached at: [email protected].