Dying from Affluenzia

The affluent lifestyle enjoyed by so many within the U.S.A. is making many of us overweight and unhealthy.  Our sedentary lifestyle combined with a love of high calorie, sugary foods and beverages has created a nation where two-thirds of the adults and nearly one-third of its children are either overweight or obese.

An article in the StarTribune "Report calls schools key to fighting obesity epidemic but says changes are needed society-wide." suggests that schools are an important place to fight obesity.  Following are some recommendations for consideration:

1. 60 minutes of physical activity every day for school children via gym class, recess and other activities
2. Healthier school foods and teaching of nutrition
3. Require restaurants to produce at least half o the kids' meals to comply with federal dietary guidelines
4. Restrict marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children
5. Provide more opportunities for physical activity within communities for walking, biking, etc.
6. Health care providers increase screening for obesity and provide preventative services and treatments.
7. Employers provide more wellness program.

Not only does this obesity epidemic dramatically reduce the quality of the life for individuals it has the potential of wreaking havoc on the the nation's health care spending.