HOW AMERICA GOT SO FAT (And So Sick)

HOW AMERICA GOT SO FAT AND SO SICK

   Renowned preventive cardiologist Arthur Agatston, MD has devoted decades of helping Americans improve their health by trimming their waistlines and exercising regularly.  In answer to the many questions he receives in this connection he has put together a valuable new book, “The South Beach wake-Up Call,” and warns we’re raising a generation that could be the first in modern history with shorter life spans than their parents.

   We could begin by pointing a finger at the motor car in relation to its increase of 75 percent of the portion of all trips made less than one mile.  That mile could have given the owner the enjoyment of a healthy brisk walk and added years to his lifetime.  A sideline benefit would be improving the quality of the air and the environment in general.

    Right in our own kitchens the amount of added sugar that we consume per day is 35 teaspoons and is disguised in sport drinks and generous desserts.  We compensate by taking pills and going on fad diets.  The fast food and sedentary lifestyle is trumping the advances in medical science that has been responsible for decades of decreasing death rates.  Whatever shape health reform takes, our health care system will be bankrupted by the sheer number of sick people.  Dr. Agatston adds, “I predict that our current population between the ages of 30 and 45 could have the dubious distinction of being the sickest generation.  For the first time since I have started practicing cardiology more than 30 years ago, heart attacks are on the rise for this age group.  Without immediate intervention we will see a reduction of life span.”

   To fully understand the epidemic of obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases it is good to look back at the generation of fast foods sedentary lifestyle and failing health.  Dr. Agatston talks about portion distortion.  We expect king-size servings, when smaller ones would completely satisfy and be healthier.  In 1983 we were satisfied with one cup of spaghetti and three small meatballs.  In 2003 it is two cups of spaghetti and three large meatballs.  This will increase the calories content from 500 to l,025.  A few more tips from the cardiologist includes drinking water before meals, a brisk walk or run an hour per day for people who have lost weight long term (90%) and dog owners are more likely to get 2.5 hours of exercise a week (34%) are more likely to lose long-term weight.