5/8 Something to think about...

[Billie]

When it’s time to get up and go, make sure you get up and get going.
Power Performance

A simple quote, yet a super powerful message. After all, in order to get where you want to go in life, you first have to get up. But then, even after you have decided to get up, you still have to "go" if you ever expect to get there. Far too often we find that the proverbial get up and go has got up and left way too many people in this country.

Gabe and I have been discussing a recent journal article, "Disease and Disadvantage in the United States and England", very sobering article if you live in the US--but your looking good if you reside in the UK.;) I have read the article now, watched a prime time clip on it and still scratch my head. Of course I could say, well the study field is low, or it is self reported but the bottom line is that based on self reported illnesses and biological markers of disease, US residents are much less healthy than their English counterparts. And it is not by small margins, for example Diabetes has a difference of 7.2 in England to 12.5 in the US.

So what is the difference, I suppose it is only conjecture on my part, well there is no supposed it is conjecture :question: . But most of the world, and most certainly the US who is rated 29th in the world in longevity--29th for one of the richest nations in the world--needs to get up and get going.

We can't wait for government or food pyramids or some catalyst to do this, we simple need to get up and get going now. Whether it is the food we eat, the exercise we do or don't do, the health visits to the doctors, we really need to as the quote says "when it's time to get up and go, make sure you get up and get going"!

And Monday seemed to be the perfect day to start this something to think about discussion out. What say you?

Have a great day!

[Ottawa]

Does this mean that it's unhealthy to hang around Americans???:rolleyes:

There have been several articles and even a movie (Supersize Me) that might cover part of the problem.
I believe pretty well all industry is always after a larger portion of the dollar and larger sizes are a way to do it. I don't know if you have Cinnabon or St. Cinnamon there, but one of there Cinnamon Buns is now the size of a small cake.:eek:

I am not a fan of the Food Guide Pyramid or the Canada Food Guide since they still stress cheaper carbs/grains as the primary food group, but ...
"Most marketplace portions are at least two times, and sometimes as much as eight times, greater than standard recommended serving sizes based on the USDA Food Guide Pyramid or on food label standards established by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)." (http://www.mealsmatter.org/EatingForHealth/Topics/article.aspx?articleId=53)

Serving Sizes Then and Now Food or beverage 1950s Expanded 2003 portion
French fries ---------------2.4 ounces --------------7.1 ounces
Fountain soda --------------7.0 ounces -------------12 to 64 ounces
Hamburger patty ------------1.6 ounces -------------8.0 ounces
Hamburger sandwich ---------3.9 ounces -------------4.4 to 12.6 ounces
Muffin ---------------------3.0 ounces -------------6.5 ounces
Pasta serving --------------1.5 cups ---------------3.0 cups
Chocolate bar --------------1 ounce ----------------2.6 to 8 ounces


It would be interesting to see if our British, Aussie and New Zealander friends have the same experience with portion sizes, but if it increases the profit dollar, it is likely happening everywhere there is fast food.

[Missy]

We can't wait for government or food pyramids or some catalyst to do this, we simple need to get up and get going now. Whether it is the food we eat, the exercise we do or don't do, the health visits to the doctors, we really need to as the quote says "when it's time to get up and go, make sure you get up and get going"!


I agree Billie...as the years go by, I totally agree more and more....I'm glad there are very well informed scientist/Dr's out there that "get it"...but sadly...It's becoming more and more obvious that there are a majority of them that don't. :rolleyes: Those pill pushers that don't help inform their patients that is.

Until I actively sought out my own health care...did I even have a CLUE to other "options" of care other then the "latest" drug of choice. But, it was MY OWN GUSTO that brought about learning about alternatives that made it happen. I dug for information and listened to and experimented with the suggestions. It was my own gusto that brought ME to a Dr that shared and supported this path.

But, I'm pleased to see that there is a TREND of "eye opening" that is taking place...and it feels very "grass roots"..and I don't think it would be nearly as growing of a cause WITHOUT the internet. YEA!!!!!! GOOD FOR US.

As far as "the get up and go" ~ I told myself as I joined the gym a few months back that I can't allow myself to "think" to hard about going/doing it..."Just do it" was my motto. No excuses. Make it apart of my routine period.

I think we are a nation that's so SICK of being "sold too" only to come to find that whatever the "latest" health suggestion is just a trick or a fad...and that eventually, that what once was "it" will soon fall out of favor and the opposite will be "true"..:rolleyes: (how many times has it happened, egg's, high carb, low fat)....and it's as if they "cried wolf". Now it's hard to get people to listen.

I think in the US, if we don't hurry up and "get it"...we'll just become way to sluggish and find ourselves way behind the curve before we know it. Something has to happen to slap us back to reality! :rolleyes:

[Missy]

Getting the SODA machines OUT of our schools is a GREAT place to start!!! I know I was of the age when soda wasn't available...but, if it were I'd be getting several "fixes" a day.:rolleyes:

When I was a kid, going to McDonalds was a "treat" nowadays, it's a way of life...that convenience thing. :rolleyes: We are a nation of super size because we supersized. :rolleyes:

The other countries are behind us in the statisic's because it's not as readily available....but I bet it will be one day? I hope for their sake they take notice and not allow it to happen to them from our example.

[SherryJ]

"My get up and go has done got up and went!" :p A humorous phrase that was around when I was a kid! And, THAT'S how I felt this morning... but, I GOT UP and WENT... for a 2.5 mile walk, that is! If I don't, who will??? :eek:

Sherry

[Billie]

Randy, good thoughts, if I can get the journal article scanned I will post or send your way, it is very disconcerting however and really lift me thinking how much work is upon us as individuals, it is not up to anyone but us.

Missy obviously I agree, we are behind the curve!

Sherry, good for you, it is up to each of us to take charge, sometimes it just takes longer for that to sink in than it should.

[gitfiddle]

I think one of the forces that drive me to do this is that I can't just sit back and take mainstream advice. I saw myself sliding into the same situation many overweight, middle-aged women end up in and I just got goosebumps. I don't want to go out with a whimper, but sliding into home plate and yelling wahoo!

I know that the drive for profit gets in the way of the truth in U.S. health matters. It's appalling and I'm no longer naive about it. I guess I have to be responsible for my own health.

[hawk]

I got up at 4;30 and went to work. Does that count?? I'm jumping around on my trampoline today. Guess what?? Under my canoe I found 5 huge morels.. YMMMMMYYYYYY!!!!!

[Billie]

It all counts Lynn, we just have to stay vigilant and stay on course. Carol hear you loud and clear! Gosh the time I have wasted...but must look to the future with a vengenance!

[gitfiddle]

Billie, I guess I feel enlightened. That, in turn, makes me feel sad for the people who are not. Instead of evangelizing, I try to communicate by example. I had a visitor this weekend who is very strictly low-carb, among other things. It was refreshingto discuss eating habits with him. No misunderstandings or need to clarify anything. Sorta like this board.

Lynn, congrats on the morels! A neighbor gave me a batch the other day. Nothing like 'em.