What’s Ailing America?

Until now, the mortality rate has been at a continuous up rise since the 1970’s. Today more Americans are experiencing higher levels of stress with busier lifestyles, leaving little time to care for themselves. An epidemic of heart disease, metabolic diseases, high blood pressure and obesity are at an all time high. According to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination, a survey showed more than one-third of U.S. adults were obese in 2005 and 2006, 33.3% were men and 35.3% were women. The CDC says 1 in 3 adults have high blood pressure and 31% of them are not aware they have it. In the same year, American Heart Association estimated more than 80,600,000 men; women and children in the United States have one or more forms of cardiovascular disease. In 2005, the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases gave and alarming statistic of 20.8 million people in the United States have diabetes with 6.2 million not aware they have the disease. In our society today, why has this become a problem, when there are more choices of non-fat, fat-free and trans-fat-free foods? Are we missing something?

There are several contributing factors to this epidemic, first the lack of exercise. Technology has made life easier with the result of more adults and children becoming sedentary. Computers and the internet have made multitasking a cinch. Paying your bills online is very common. In addition, you can send typed letters and attachments to people via the internet (email) without ever having to walk to the mailbox. Children and teens are spending more time in doors playing Nintendo and Xbox games instead of outdoor activities. In October 2007 NPD Inc., a marketing and research group, took an online survey from 3,474 members. The results showed young teens from the ages of 12-17 years of age spending as much as 10 hours per week playing computer or video games. Thirdly, we live in a fast food society where everyone eats on the go. Most intact homes have two parents working, who don’t have the time to cook nutritious homemade meals, so they resort to precooked or processed foods that are high in sodium or other unhealthy ingredients. The average adult is consuming more than 2500 mg of sodium a day. This is a problem when the recommended daily allowance should be under 2400mg and no more than 1500mg for people with high blood pressure. These types of foods also contain a high percentage of saturated fats. Fourthly, Americans are choosing to buy food items that are labeled fat-free, sugar-free or trans-fat-free, this is not always the case. These food items may contain a higher amount of other unhealthy ingredient to substitute what the food is lacking. A large number of trans-fat-free food products still contain a small percentage of a very unhealthy fat. For instance, look at the ingredients of a food product labeled, “no-trans-fats”, if you find the words, partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated vegetable oils and shortening, it still contains the culprit. The FDA allows a daily allowance of 2 grams of trans fats a day. Such a small amount has been showed in a study of 140,000 subjects to increase the incidence of coronary heart disease by 23%. Trans fats should be avoided whenever possible.



What’s the solution? Take time and read food labels. Although the labeling on food products maybe tricky, the FDA has made nutrition labels more legible. Most food labels show the amount of nutrients you are getting in a particular food product. In addition, you’ll find a breakdown of the percentage of nutrients in a particular food item that goes toward your daily allowance based on a 2000-calorie diet. Labels are also telling us if a food product is high in sugar or lacks in fiber. Parents can set better examples to their children by making healthier food choices. An example would be to have your child pick a vegetable at the grocery store to try at dinnertime. Next, allow your child to take part in preparing and cooking the vegetable. This helps the child feel more in control of what they’re eating. Parents can also make eating healthy fun for their child by making food characters. For instance, try slicing an apple in half and coring it; next spread 1 tablespoon of peanut butter on each half, then add two small slices of bananas for eyes and a few raisins to make a mouth.

As a Personal Trainer/ Health Coach, I’ve worked several years in the health and fitness industry. Guiding people along to help them make better nutritional choices and incorporate exercise into their daily lives by taking small steps. Research has shown that exercising for as little as 20-30minutes a day can make you healthier. If you’re really unfit an struggle with a full 30 minutes of exercise, this can be broken down into 2-3
10-minute exercise sessions and still provide health benefits. Eating five small healthy meals a day that include several servings of fruits and vegetables can actually help speed up your metabolism, versus skipping meals. When we skip meals the body tends to store those calories because it’s not being nourished regularly. On the other hand, when the body is being nourished regularly it uses those calories as they come, thus speeding up the metabolism. However, if you exceed the amount of calories your body needs on a daily bases, this can backfire causing weight gain. The key is to stay active and eat healthy.

Longevity is still at an up rise for those who practice a healthy lifestyle and make nutritious food choices. Those individuals can expect to live into their 80’s. On the other hand if Americans don’t start holding themselves accountable by making lifestyle changes for the better, the result will be a poorer quality of life and a premature death with a life expectancy of around 30% less.

Cancer Awareness

Cancer remains the number two killer in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, there are various types of cancers that share the same characteristics of, uncontrolled spread and growth of cells that are abnormal. As these abnormal cells grow and spread, they will divert the body’s nutrient rich blood and oxygen supply thus restricting and cutting off blood flow to other vital organs resulting in death if not treated. Cancer is a ruthless disease that should raise concern with every person in the world whether you have, don’t have, know or don’t know someone who is affected by this disease. There are things you can do to reduce your risk and bring awareness.


To help decrease your risk of Cancer and other ailments, you can start by maintaining a normal weight for your height and body frame. Exercising on a regular bases is detrimental. As little as 20-30 minutes a day can make a world of difference. Life’s daily task makes this difficult for some, which is why this can be broken into smaller exercise sessions. Life is more valuable than anything that fills your schedule, which is why this needs to be a priority. Eating a balanced diet is vital to reduce your risk of cancer.This should include whole grains as well as fruits, veggies and protein. Eating five or more servings a day of fruits and veggies is a must if you don’t have any medical condition that requires restrictions. Fat should be a part of your diet as well. Polyunsaturated, monounsaturated fats are heart healthy fats found in avocados, nuts, seeds, fish and oils. Essential fatty acids help to create and repair cells, they also help with hormone function, regulating the immune system, vital organ function and more. Protein is important in order for the body to function at it’s best. Your diet should include lean sources of protein to reduce health risk. These sources include, fish, poultry, beans, tofu, soy and lean red meats in moderation. There are also benefits to drinking green tea when it comes to cancer. Research has shown that there is an antioxidant in green tea called catechins that helps to reduce free radical damage in cells that can contribute to cancer. In order to reap the benefits one must drink two or more cups a day. In addition, knowing your family history is a must when it comes to prevention. Research has shown a genetic link to cancer. In other words, you might be at greater risk if your parents, sister, brother, cousin, aunt, uncle or grandparents have had or currently have cancer. Make this known to your physician so he or she can determine early screening. Your lifestyle can put you at a greater risk of cancer as well. If you’re a smoker, make the choice to quit. If you regularly tan, stop. If your exposed to second hand smoke or work in an environment that has chemical substance that are known to put you at risk of cancer, change careers or move to another position that’s less of a risk. If you have multiple sex partners your at a greater risk to develop some types of cancer.

In closing, I have friends, family and neighbors who have battled cancer and in some cases loss the fight. By posting this blog I hope to raise awareness and help win this battle against a disease that still has many unanswered questions. If everyone gets involved whether it’s donating time, money or becoming an advocate we can all help potentially win a war that’s worth fighting for. You can visit www.cancer.org to find out more about how you can get involved.

Is GMO really safe and what exactly is it? You decide.

GMO stands for genetically modified organisms. In other words, foods that have been genetically altered to some degree. Genetic modification was created to make foods more resistant to viruses, bacteria, and insect infestation and more. In terms of animals, it increases the growth rate. Genetic modification has not only allowed for farmers to produce larger crops but also crops that are more nutritionally rich. This breakthrough has saved thousands if not millions of lives around the world from starvation. In terms of animal meat, genetic modification has allowed for a greater production of meat, eggs and milk. In addition, the byproduct of GMO is less. Meaning better waste management, less water and soil needed. It also allows for the use of “greener” bioherbicides and bioinsecticides. Sounds good, are there any down sides? GMO has been around for sometime now, however no one really knows how, when or if it will affect humans. Since antibiotics are used, this can potentially increase human’s resistance to antibiotics. It can also potentially increase risk of allergies. Not all labels on food products will tell you if the item is genetically modified. Also this process causes stress on the animal. There is also the potential risk of advances in genetic modification being made and those results being altered to suit the best interest of other wealthier countries. There is also the disturbing fact that we could be consuming some animal genes in plants and plant genes in animal genes. Lastly, knowing that the product that has been created by God through nature is now being modified. People should have the right to choose whether they want a genetically altered food or not. With that in mind, foods should be labeled to disclose this information. When something is too good to be true, it usually raises red flags and should be questioned. In the case of GMO, it could have some terrible repercussions down the road for humans and nature.