WHATS GOING ON!!

     Obesity has become a huge problem worldwide! Better yet, its become an epidemic. A lot of people tend to think that being obese and being overweight is the same thing. Actually, they're not! Obesity basically means having too much body fat whereas being overweight means weighing too much. A person can be overweight from having extra muscle, bone, or water as well as having too much fat. Being either obese or overweight increases the risk of many chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, some cancers, and strokes.                                  
     The amt of obese or overweight adults has almost tripled since the early 2000's. The number of overweight or obese children has also been climbing fast.  Although diet and exercise are key determinants of weight, environmental factors beyond the control of individuals (including lack of access to full-service grocery stores, high costs of healthy foods, and lack of access to safe places to play and exercise) contribute to increased obesity rates by reducing the likelihood of healthy eating and active living behaviors.
      Here are a couple of strategies that are trying to be put in place to help with these issues. Healthier food and drink choices are trying to be improved and increased in public service venues. School lunches are being made healthier for kids in schools. Also better choices are being provided by some of the fast food restaurants out there. For example, apple slices can be chosen instead of  french fries. More outside time and less television time is also something that is being focused on. Especially for the kids! Gonna need the parents help for that one...