All Things Health and Wellness

Obesity is considered an epidemic in this country. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 41.9% of Americans were obese in 2017 (CDC, 2022). The numbers of obese individuals has probably increased to greater than 50% in 2023, but no current data is available.

According to the Roberts Woods Johnson (2023) data, obesity is the result of several factors such as overeating, lack of physical activity, genetics, culture, and metabolism. Personally, I do not want to subscribe to the idea of genetics and metabolism when diet consumption is probably a result of culture, habit and the type of food consumed. There are food deserts all across the United States in low income neighborhoods. Sadly, it is cheaper to buy fast food then a head of lettuce and a tomato.

Americans consume to much fast food, that is full of sugar and fat. As a result we have an unhealthy population. Sugar is added to many foods as a filler. Sugar is addicting (Healthline, 2022). You will find sugar is added to most foods to enhance the taste, thus making it difficult to remove from your diet.

Obesity is linked to many health issues that can change the quality of your life, or cause death, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancer, and stroke (CDC, 2022).

Here are the 10 states with the highest rates of obesity:

1. Mississippi – 40.80%
2. West Virginia – 39.70%
3. Arkansas – 37.40%
4. Oklahoma – 36.80%
5. Kentucky – 36.50%
6. Tennessee – 36.50%
7. Alabama – 36.10%
8. Michigan – 36.00%
9. Louisiana – 35.90%
10. South Carolina – 35.40%

Go to the link below to find your state ranking. It is your personal responsibility to take care of your health and well being. You can start by changing one thing in your diet and see if it makes a difference. Try giving up soda, or french fries, and stop supersizing your food, and drink more water. Your body will appreciate it and you will feel better.

References:

Adult Obesity Facts/Overweight. (2022). https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html

Healthline. (2022). https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/experts-is-sugar-addictive-drug

Most Obese States in 2023. https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/most-obese-states. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Copyright © 2004-2023

January is the month to raise awareness about human trafficking. Wear blue on January 11, 2023 to bring attention to sexual trafficking and educate yourself and others about this hidden crime. Psychological warfare, physical force, and violence are used to intimidate others to remain a captive to those who promote sexual trafficking.

Human trafficking affects both young and old, regardless of economics, race, gender or age. It maybe happening in your neighbor, so educate yourself and increase your awareness.

Some of the indicators of human trafficking include: Homes with numerous people being picked up and dropped off at the same time. You may notice the lights are on at a workplace at strange times. Individuals who seem scared, confused or have untreated injuries, and avoid eye contact or conversation with others. All modes of communication are controlled, that include mail, phones, and the inability to speak to others due to fear. Bruises or other physical and or psychological trauma may also be present.

Be aware, if you see something, notify authorities. You maybe saving someones life.

References

Hope for Justice.(2023). https://hopeforjustice.org/spot-the signs/

#WearBlueDay-January 11

BlueCampaign.(2023).www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. This is the time to make memories with your love ones As time moves on, you will realize the memories created are much more valuable than the physical items we acquire.

Time is also precious and as your family ages and matures the time you spend with them should be cherished. You do not want to look back with regret.

So take this time and enjoy your family and let go of any issues that may have come between you.

Happy Holidays!!!

November was American diabetes month, and a good time to review your lab with your provider to see if you are at risk for diabetes. During the holiday season the amount of sweets and unhealthy foods will be more available and tempting but please use some restraint, so you can remain healthy and well.

The lab test for diabetes requires blood to be drawn, to measure your average blood sugar over a three month period. This test is known as hemoglobin A1C, and will assist your physician to determine your risk for developing diabetes. If the A1C value is greater than 5.7 and less than 6.4 you are at risk for developing diabetes. Those with a A1C value greater than 6.5 will be treated as a diabetic, and be placed on medication.

Risk factors for developing diabetes, include : 1. A family history or 2. A women who may have developed diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) or given birth to a baby that was over 9 pounds, or 3. Being over weight especially with a large girth (stomach), and inactive 4. High blood pressure, and or high cholesterol can be precursors to diabetes in conjunction with the elements above.

A small lifestyle change can make a big difference. Make water your drink of choice and increase your physical exercise and eat more fruits and vegetables. Maintain a healthy weight, minimize stress, get enough sleep, stop smoking, and reducing your alcohol intake can make a big difference. Alcohol adds additional sugar to your diet.

There are SERIOUS consequences that can occur related to diabetes, if you do not heed to the warning. This may include dialysis, amputation, blindness and or possible stroke or heart attack. Currently diabetes is a world wide epidemic.

References:

Diabetes. (2022).https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/healthprotection/ncd/diabetes.html

Diabetic Risk Factors. (2022). https://heart.org/en/health-topics/diabetes/understand-your-risk-for-diabetes

Top 10 Risk Factors. (2022). https://rocketfacts.com/top-10-risk-factors-for-diabetes/?utm_content=3869801864&utm_source=bing-o&utm_campaign=399607003&gclid=23eac4ee6eef1214823ca7909d66d6ce&msclkid=23eac4ee6eef1214823ca7909d66d6ce

October is breast cancer awareness month. Self breast exams are essential because most cancers are found by women during bathing. It is essential that you know what is normal for you and know how to recognize abnormal signs and symptoms (Cancer Center, 2022).

Symptoms that should be followed up include the following: A lump, mass or change in the feel or position of the breast are among the most common symptoms of breast cancer. Swelling, redness or inflammation Changes in the nipple or nipple discharge or a change in color Pain in the breast Itchy or irritated breasts and or peeling or flaky skin.

It’s important to alert your doctor or health care provider as soon as you experience symptoms. Prevention includes clinical breast exam, self breast exam and mammograms. Early screening and prevention is key.

References

Cancer Center of America, (2022). Learn more about symptoms of breast cancer

MD Anderson. (2022). Mammograms & Breast Exams. https://www.mdanderson.org/prevention-screening/get-screened/breast-cancer-screening.html

Resilience, the ability to bounce back after adversity or stress in your life. How resilient are you? That is a million dollar question. We all have had some adversity that has caused us to fall back and re-exam our circumstances. Resilience is a skill that can be developed over time. The question becomes how will you over come and will you let the circumstance keep you from your goal.

Resistance may manifest in several stages before you are able to move to the next level. Stress may cause illness, depression or feelings of sadness and rejection but once the shock wears off you have several choices. Of course, it depends on what has caused the stress, and this will is imperative as you evaluate your choices moving forward. If you decide to give up the goal, change the goal or move forward with a different strategy, be deliberate about your choice to avoid a half hearten recovery.

To be resilient, one must be persistent and have tenacity to move forward, especially when obstacles continue to get in your way and your goal looks out of reach. It is easy to get discouraged, especially when the obstacles seen to be continual and the stress is affecting your health and well being. Managing your mental attitude becomes key to your success.

Stay persistent. Resilience may require you to reinvent yourself to achieve your goal with some modification. It is your life, be true to yourself and do not be deterred. Developing resilience can be the key to you are living deliberately and on purpose.
Review the articles below to assist you with developing resistance, utilizing the five pillars of resilience, self awareness, mindfulness, self care, positive relationships and purpose.

Reference

J. Ahlschlager (2020). Engage in the 5 Pillars of Resilience During Tough Times, https://insights.vitalworklife.com/engage-in-the-5-pillars-of-resilience-during-tough-times

Psychology Today, Resilience, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/resilience

It appears that ethics and integrity are no longer important in the fabric of the Unites States of America. Some individuals feel empowered to say and do anything to others without consequences. This includes law enforcement, the military and judges who appear to have no ethics and the public are left feeling like they have no recourse. It is not to say that it is getting worse, or that all individuals in these groups are bad people, but social media has put this bad behavior into light. These days corporations have been deemed to be “a person” by the supreme court thus giving them more rights than you and I have.

The global majority have suffered the brunt of discourse from these groups of individuals for centuries but with video this bad behavior is on instant display. They try to deny the truth and we just shake our head and wonder what will happen next.

The military and law enforcement seem to be moving down another path, many of them have accepted lies by political figures and are not using their sense of right and wrong as a compass. So when we say de-fund the police it is a whole lot deeper than you can imagine. They do not need tanks and chemical weapons to tame the public. How about a little respect for one another.

If your physician told you a lie and kept the truth from you and laws were passed to keep him from discussing the truth, one would be quite upset and wonder what benefit is that serving.

Unethical behavior has seeped into many parts of America life. It is seems that it is getting difficult to get people to do a honest days work without them trying scam consumers.

As a result, all this negativity can put a toll on those who unwillingly collide with these systems. Please take heed and remember to look at the bright side of humanity and expect the best even when you are handed lemons. Give yourself a few minutes to complain and come up with a plan to remedy the issue and move on. Life is short and you have to let go of the negativity and find joy and love for you and yours.

Peace….

Are you having difficulty sleeping? It seems to be a common problem. I find if I nap during the day, it affects my ability to fall asleep and I am up all night. Insomnia can be exhibited in many forms, that includes difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, early morning awakening or having refreshing sleep (Ni, 2008). There are other issues that may contribute to insomnia including pregnancy, menopause and sleep apnea, worry, too much caffeine, pain and or stress.

Sleep is important for the body to rest and regenerate. Insomnia can contribute to memory loss, lack of concentration and depression, which in turn can effect your ability to be effective at work (Ni, 2008). Insomnia can increase the risk of developing other chronic health issues related to stress, anxiety, heart disease, pain, depression and alcohol abuse.

The following tips may assist you with combating insomnia: Reduce your caffeine intake by avoiding coffee, soft drinks and chocolate or foods with MSG. Mediate before bed, or journal to document your thoughts to reduce anxiety and stress. Create a routine, by going to bed the same time every night. Exercise regularly but not before bed. Take a warm bath or shower. Eat yogurt one hour before bedtime it contains tryptophan that aids in sleep. Stay off the phone and computer prior to bedtime, this can stimulate you and cause insomnia.

Good luck, insomnia can be managed if you are diligent with your intention to have a good night sleep.

References

Ni,M. (2008) Secrets of Self-Healing. Insomnia, Penguin Group, New York, New York.

Insomnia Myths and facts (2022). Wed MD. https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/ss/slideshow-avoid-before-bed