A few months ago, I read a story about a woman who had achieved something so incredible, I could not help but to read her story over and over again. Each time I read it, my profound admiration for her and her phenomenal weight loss success as well as her journey, grew and grew. If you look in the dictionary for the word "Success", Glenda's picture should be there. This is a story about a woman who weighed 340 pounds. She had not been able to tie her own shoes or even see her own feet in over 15 years… but she lost 197 pounds! She says in her unbelievable story
"I was trapped in a body weighing in over 340 pounds and was ashamed of the fact that I had not been able to reach my feet for 15 years. I felt that God did not give me bones and joints to carry that amount of weight as a person 5'5" with a small frame. My lifelong relationship with food, lifestyle choices and decisions dealing with life, heartache and disappointment brought me to where I was in January of 2008".
I wanted to put this story on my blog when I first read it, but because of computer problems, I never had a chance to bookmark it. Yesterday morning, I was reading an article "Dare to Walk 20 Minutes A Day" on the LiveSTRONG site and there she was…Glenda, holding up a pair of sweat pants that were three sizes larger than her tiny frame, which she once wore with no room to spare. Now I could go on and on about this amazing weight loss story, but I will let you read it for yourself….and be inspired!
(Click on Inspiration And Motivation tab above to read this incredible story!)
The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans was released in January of this year. The United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Health and Human Services offered up a number of brand new dietary and nutritional suggestions and recommendations, together with the objective of fighting the increasing weight and obesity crisis as well as equipping Americans with the data and facts they need to live healthier and stronger lifestyles on a day to day basis.
Although I have not read the Guidelines in it's entirety, there are a few items that I would like to share with you as I believe they are so very important in educating and combating the obesity epidemic as well as decreasing chronic diseases which are related to our diet choices.
In the introduction of the Guidelines, it was stated that the ultimate objective of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans is to improve and enhance our Nations health and the health of future generations through assisting and promoting healthy and balanced eating habits, along with physical activity and exercise. They have published these guidelines and options so that hopefully, most of our detrimental behaviors will change and their suggestions and recommendations will become a foundation for not only reducing our obesity problem but, prevention of chronic diseases. It is their hope that the guidelines will become the standard for every man, woman and child.
Inadequate diet as well as lack of exercise and physical inactivity happen to be the most crucial issues contributing to the crisis and epidemic associated with being overweight and obese in this nation. The most current and latest facts reveal that 72% of adult men plus 64% of adult women are generally overweight or obese. About 1/3 of adults are sadly obese. Also, even for those who do not have a weight problem, bad eating habits along with the absence of physical activity have been linked to Type 2 Diabetes, Osteoporosis and some types of Cancer.
A number of racial as well as some ethnic groups are generally disproportionately affected by the high rates of unhealthy weight, obesity and connected chronic diseases. Poor eating habits and inadequate individual health and fitness programs have placed the focus on improved nutrition, diet, and physical activity options ever more critical. These type of associations also provide vital opportunity to decrease health and wellness disparities through diet and nutrition, as well as physical activity modifications which have been the major causes of morbidity and the death rate.
The Heavy Toll Of Diet – Related Chronic Disease
Below is an excerpt of the very powerful speech delivered by Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D., Commissioner of Food and Drugs. If your are really concerned about your health and welfare and the health and welfare of your children along with the generations to come, …..please read.
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Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D., Commissioner of Food and Drugs – Remarks at the Nutrition Summit
Remarks as Delivered for Margaret A. Hamburg M.D. Commissioner of Food and Drugsat the 2010 Nutrition Summit
April 28, 2010
"Good morning, and thank you for being here. It’s a pleasure to speak to you today at this important meeting—and I’m so glad that all of you are concerned about and working on nutrition-related issues.
Others have described for you the toll that diet-related chronic disease takes on American lives. We know that some 65 percent of all Americans are obese or overweight and 17 percent of those under 20 are obese. We know that the dangers of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes are indisputable for millions in this country. And we know, most importantly, that much of this is preventable.
So as I bring this opening session to a close, I will try to be brief—but I want to clear about the magnitude of the problem we face. Diet-related chronic disease, including obesity, is a defining public health issue of our time."Read Entire Speech
So let's just take a look at the 5 most detrimental chronic diseases caused by poor diet which American adult and children face today. .
Cardiovascular Disease
• 81.1 million Americans—37 percent of the 13 population—have cardiovascular disease. Major risk factors include high levels of blood cholesterol and other lipids, type 2 diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), metabolic syndrome, overweight and obesity, physical inactivity, and tobacco use.
• 16 percent of the U.S. adult population has high 14 total blood cholesterol.
Hypertension
• 74.5 million Americans—34 percent of U.S. 15 adults—have hypertension.
• Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, and kidney disease.
• Dietary factors that increase blood pressure include excessive sodium and insufficient potassium intake, overweight and obesity, and excess alcohol consumption.
• 36 percent of American adults have prehypertension—blood pressure numbers that are higher than normal, but not yet in the hypertension range.
Next week, three more chronic diseases caused primarily by poor eating habits and inactivity.
You can manage your stress and slow the aging process. Significant life changes as well as simple everyday unresloved "stuff" play a big part in rapidly ageing you before your time. For instance, your boss is breathing down your neck for the report that was due yesterday or the traffic is bumper to bumper and road rage seems to come out of nowhere or the list of bills is larger than your monthly income, or your spouse of 25 years just told you they want a divorce. All of those issues and more can help accelerate you looking older, particulary if you you do not employ stress management techniques.
The experts say that stress places a toll on your body and to make issues even worse, several studies suggest that persistent stress can cause irreparable brain damage, memory loss, early dementia as well as a rapid rise in the brain proteins which is linked to Alzheimer's
So how can you manage your stress and slow down the aging process. There are excellent books and audio tapes that will facilitate in the process of helping you learn about stress as well as offering information on stress management solutions. Here are a few tips;
Excerise
Exercising is really a huge stress reliever and also a great anti-aging weapon. Exercise can generate endorphins that will allow you to feel better and make the world seem alright again. Plus it does amazing things for your skin. Going for a brisk walk or perhaps working out. These activities not only enable you to step away from your current troubling issues, but they help clear your mind so that you are able to identify some positive alternatives and are less likely to feel so overwhelmed.
Laughter
In Proverbs 17:22, it says
"A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones" Laughter is also responsible for producing that wonderful chemical in our brain called endorphins. Endorphins foster a sense of relaxation and well-being and actually dull the perception of pain
Put a comedy into the DVD player. You know, one of those that make you laugh so hard and loud, tears run down you face. Old "I Love Lucy" episodes are one of my favorites. Your family or the neighbors might think your crazy.. or they just might join you. Laughter is contagious!
Pamper Yourself
Make it a routine to pamper yourself by doing what makes you feel good as often as possible. Get dressed up and go out for a night on the town, (even if it's your nearest bowling alley). Take an unscheduled vacation over the weekend. Don't have a lot of money? Save for a month (maybe don't eat out as much) and go to a nice hotel. Do it up, eat at the hotel restaurant, and pick one where there is live music so you can dance a little. When was the last time you "cut a rug" (only boomers would know that one). Order room service, leave you clothes on the floor. Pretend it's back in the day and have outrageous sex which can be a real stress buster! And don't tell a soul where you are so you won't have to answer the telephone. Oh yeah, don't make up the bed when you leave…Smile
Talk To Someone
Sometimes, it takes a lot of courage to eradicate long-term stress, and it may mean making significant changes in your life to learn how to cope. The fact of the matter is, unless you get on top of your stress management, it will not only make you look years older than you are and enhance the signs of aging, it will make you sick and cause harmful ramifications to every area of your body. Heart disease, stroke and even death have been caused by unresolved stress
This may mean getting a deeper level of help. You may have to consider joining an outside support group or iyou may consider talking to someone, whether it is your pastor, a mediator, close friend, counselor, attorney, or financial advisor, just do it!. I have found that during times of extreme stress, reading the Psalms has given me comfort, clarity and emotional strength. Identify what is causing your major stress and deal with it, Your ageing will slow down to a snails pace.
time I read it, my profound admiration for her and her phenomenal weight loss success as well as her journey, grew and grew. If you look in the dictionary for the word "Success", Glenda's picture should be there. This is a story about a woman who weighed 340 pounds. She had not been able to tie her own shoes or even see her own feet in over 15 years… but she lost 197 pounds! She says in her unbelievable story
