Live Better
Chester J. Zelasko, Ph.D. |
December 18, 2007
Americans are living
longer and that includes those who are overweight. In a recent study,
scientists examined data from the Nutrition and Health Education Survey at
two different time periods: 1988-1994 and 1999-2004 (1). The researchers
confirmed the results from other studies: people are living longer, even
though some were very obese. But that wasn't all they found.
The survey asked questions about Functional Limitations and Activities of
Daily Living. Functional Limitations asked whether people could walk
one-fourth mile, walk up 10 steps without resting, stoop, crouch, or kneel,
lift or carry 10 pounds, walk between rooms on the same floor, and stand up
from an armless chair. Activities of Daily Living included getting in and
out of bed, eating, and dressing. These seem relatively easy, don't they?
But not if you're overweight or obese and more than 60 years old. And
unfortunately, the rate of both Functional Limitations and Activities of
Daily Living increased in those who were obese between the surveys.
The researchers attributed the increased longevity to improved healthcare.
But while heart attacks and congestive heart failure decreased, degenerative
diseases such as diabetes and arthritis increased. We live longer, but we're
not living better. There’s a difference between living and simply being
alive.
Bottom Line: What kind of 65 do you want to be? What kind
of 75? Isn’t now the time to get your health under control? You can leave it
to chance and pay the price, or you can take charge--today. To help you, we
have some programs and products to guide you through the process, so check
out the links below.
Your body. Your choice--for now.
30 Day Plan
There are no gimmicks to weight loss; you have to learn how to eat less and
exercise more in a way that fits your lifestyle. The 30 Day Plan will teach
you to do just that--one day at a time for 30 days.
The Gift of Relaxation
One of the most ignored areas of health is stress reduction. This group of
products, including a Progressive Muscle Relaxation CD from the archives of
the late Dr. Steven Zifferblatt, Clinical Psychologist and co-founder of the
Better Life Institute, will help you cope with the stress of life.
References
- Alley DE and Chang VW. The Changing Relationship of Obesity and
Disability, 1988-2004. JAMA. 2007:298(17):2020-2027.
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