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DON'T TALK TURKEY – INSTEAD, HAVE A HEALTHY HOLIDAY

Miami Herald
By Dr. Susan Finn
November 27, 2003

As we prepare our annual Thanksgiving feasts, most of us dont count calories or fret about the nutritional content of our spread. For many, Thanksgiving is one of the days when even the most health-conscious among us throw out the rules to savor sinfully delicious turkey, dressing and, of course, pumpkin pie.

Unfortunately, too many Americans have adopted year-round lifestyles that make every day feel like Thanksgiving -- from the sweet potatoes and marshmallows to the afternoon nap in front of the TV. The result is the emergence of the well-documented obesity epidemic -- and Florida has been hit especially hard.

According to the Florida Department of Health, the prevalence of obesity among adult men and women in Florida has almost doubled in the past 10 years, and it continues to increase.

The Governor's Task Force on the Obesity Epidemic is in the process of thoroughly evaluating the obesity data across the state and developing recommendations for programs. As a mother and as past president of the American Dietetic Association, I strongly believe that we need policies that use a long-range strategy to arrest and reverse obesity among all populations. Accordingly, I put forth the following recipe for effective obesity policy.


Ingredients

  • Fewer calories
  • More exercise

Note: These two ingredients must be used in combination, or else your policy will be for the birds.

Tips for Preparation

This recipe relies heavily on education and practical guidance. Research consistently demonstrates that people recognize that they are ultimately responsible for maintaining a healthy weight -- they just want clear information and a little direction for themselves and their children.

Combining the Ingredients

Obesity policy must reflect a balanced, long-term approach to reversing obesity trends. Accordingly, effective obesity policy should:

  • Enable schools to provide daily physical activity to all students.
  • Encourage nutrition and health classes throughout the school system.
  • Embrace community initiatives that foster a more-active lifestyle via more sidewalks and improvements in parks and recreation programs.
  • Empower families to make healthy decisions about what they eat.
  • Engage local decision-makers to develop and champion programs to prevent, diagnose and treat obesity.

Clearly, the much-debated subject of obesity gives us all a lot to chew on. But as parents, educators, health professionals and policy-makers grapple with how to address alarming obesity rates, its critical to stay focused on the one recipe that works -- reducing calories and increasing physical activity.

Additionally, proactive efforts by the food and beverage industry, including the innovation and promotion of healthier-for-you foods, will help consumers meet their own health goals.

If the recipe that I have provided is followed correctly and pitfalls are avoided, Florida can expect to reap the benefits of a healthier, more active population.

Susan Finn is the chair of the American Council for Fitness and Nutrition.