Sunday, January 5, 2014
January 2014
Losing weight was rated the number one New Years resolution for 2014. Weight loss is a very challenging and sometimes sensitive subject for many people. The January posting brings to the light that obesity has now surpassed smoking as the greatest risk factor for being diagnosed with cancer.
The objective of this posting is not to shame, or place blame when obese individuals are diagnosed with cancer. The objective of this posting is to bring about awareness that could be passed on to family members, friends, and patients. There are two links for January. The first link is the reading for this month, the second link is the power point presentation from the closing address at the 38th ONS Congress. The slides are self explanatory without the audio, which was only available through purchase.
The Link Between Obesity and Cancer
ONS 38th Congress Bench to Bedside Address
Questions
1. Explain the relationship between Metabolic Syndrome and Cancer.
2. Why do you believe obesity is on the rise?
Discussion Question
What solution(s) would you propose to address this issue? What incentives could be given to encourage individuals to avoid the unhealthy choices that lead to obesity?
This is the fourth of seven Journal Club articles for this year. When answering questions to posts, please start the page with your name and contact information. If your full name is not in your g-mail account address, please start your blog with your full name so others can know who you are.
Please forward your answers to: melissa.luebbe@ctca-hope.com and don't forget to blog!
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What solution(s) would you propose to address this issue? I think that we as parents need to stop buying so much junk food, lose weight and become more active ourselves to be a good role model for our children, encourage activity in our children and less TV viewing. We need to buy more organic food, and encourage our government to regulate our food providers better.
ReplyDeleteWhat incentives could be given to encourage individuals to avoid the unhealthy choices that lead to obesity?
Not sure what this question is asking...the incentive is that you lead a healthier, more active lifestyle with way less risk to health. If this is important to you, than it should be passed down to your next generations by example and guidelines to your children..
We are beginning to see younger and younger patients with chronic illnesses due to poor choices. All, if not many, can be attributed to the food we consume and sedentary lifestyle. I also believe that in order to address this issue we should start with parents. What's easy and convenient is not always the healthier/ cheaper option.
DeleteWhen I was growing up, we didn't have the junk food available and we played outside, not on computer devices. And we didn't have such a focus on body image. I agree, Kari, we get what we promote.
DeleteI agree with kari,
DeleteThe convenience and affordability of fast food make appeal to some people which in turns adds to epidemic of obesity. Also, technology such as iPads & computer games leads to less physical activity especially in the younger generation.
This fact is crazy!
ReplyDeleteOne study, using NCI Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data, estimated that in 2007 in the United States, about 34,000 new cases of cancer in men (4 percent) and 50,500 in women (7 percent) were due to obesity.
2. Why do you believe obesity is on the rise?
• Sedentary lifestyles
• Too much TV
• Unfit role models
• Video games
• Unhealthy diets
• Cheap food-lacking nutrients
Discussion Question
What solution(s) would you propose to address this issue?
EDUCATION!
What incentives could be given to encourage individuals to avoid the unhealthy choices that lead to obesity?
• Lower health care costs
• Vouchers for produce
• Health insurance providing people with coaching programs
• Exercise programs
• Gifted pedometers
I agree that education is key. It is a shame that we don't come with owner's manuals addressing these issues. Even if there is solid teaching in the schools, the habits at home usually supersede.
DeleteEven in cold weather a person can exercise at home with cheap exercise DVDs and hand weights or use a can of food as a hand weight.
DeleteI agree with jessica,
DeleteSolutions would be: increased outdoor activities like walks & volunteer activities to get people out of the house & lower priced fresh produce & insurance incentives for healthy eating & increased physical activity.
Just like what Jessica mentioned,Education,Education and more Education.This is especially true in the lower income level where there is a higher percentage of obesity.
ReplyDeleteAnd an incentive/incentives would probably be monetary.One of the reasons why Americans are overweight is due to the fact the food is cheap and is filling in the stomach but doesn't necessarily make it a healthy choice.If we educate people and maybe give them some sort of monetary compensation if they are within the desired weight;then maybe obesity can be curbed.But money aside,good health should be enough incentive to avoid obesity.
I agree! When I was in home health care, this was very real. Patients could barely afford to live in their appts and pay for medications, much less eat nutritious foods. Many homes were filled with chicken nuggests and pasta for the cost factor.
DeleteI agree with Sheila, many people are single parents and can barely make ends meet let alone purchase fresh produce or seafood
DeleteThe solution, I believe, is education and subsequent modeling of those who adhere to good dietary habits and maintain a healthy amount of physical activity.
ReplyDeleteThe incentives should be within the individual to desire good health. Monetary incentives such as lower healthcare costs may help. As long as there is freedom of choice, and so many choices, I think this will always be a problem.
Incentives work for those motivated, but decreased cost of health care and decreased cost of foods that are not genetically engineered or processed would also sweeten the pot ( pun intended) a great deal
DeleteAs stated above, obesity is on the rise due to inactivity and the readily available cheaper option that is fast food. Kids nowadays are easily entertained with video games or the new app on their Ipad. You dont often see kids running around playing tag or soccer anymore. Education should start with the parents! Yes, we do live in a fast paced world but, we must make an effort to remain active (play and run around with our kids) and spend a few extra minutes preparing a healthy balanced meal instead of opting for the cheeseburger/nuggets/or taco bell.
ReplyDeleteA great example of an incentive that could be offered to individuals to avoid unhealthy behavior, is $$ in the form of healthy awards! More employers should jump on board and offer more opportunities to earn these rewards!
I definately agree Jessica. Fast food is a much cheaper and easier option for many families. Maybe their could be a higher tax on fast foods like how there is on cigarettes to dscourage people from choosing them so frequently? Or maybe we need more fast food chains that only serve HEALTHY choices... not fried foods, burgers, etc.
DeleteI agree, CTCA is doing a great thing by encouraging stakeholders to make healthy choices and rewarding them with money and cheaper insurance plans. It is sad in a way that our own improved health is not enough of an incentive, but it is great to have an employer so focused on the health and well-being of their employees. The more motivation the better!
DeleteAs stated above, Education is the key, and as nursing professionals, we are key to this. The education begins prenatally and lasts a lifetime. Role modeling along with education would be the best. Parents shopping with the children explaining why brocolli is better to eat than white bread, families eating meals together and taking away from the emphasis of food consumption to sharing family time, and exercising together and playing together. It is a complex problem with no simple solution. Fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and lean meats are more costly intially, but in the long run with reap the benefit of a healthier life style and health.
ReplyDeleteThere may be many reasons why obesity is on the rise. I believe some of these may include: ease of availability, increased processed foods, sedentary lifestyle, climate and monetary issues. There are grocery stores and markets all over that are easily assessable. There are so many processed foods that are quick to grab, eat and go. Even fast food restaurants, offer low-priced food that is not nutritious, which leads to the cost monetary issue. People who are struggling financially often eat the cheapest, most inexpensive food available, no matter how nutritious it may be. I also think the climate of where you live has something to do with lifestyle, whether active or sedentary. When it’s cold outside, people cannot go outside to play, walk their dogs, and ride their bikes. Sometimes people choose to eat heavier, comfort foods. I also think that emotional instability may have something to do with obesity being on the rise.
ReplyDeleteEducation is the key to the solution. Educating individuals and families on importance of good, quality, nutritious foods is a good start. Teaching people about how to create a balance with weight, diet and physical activity. Small steps make a big difference; For example, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking the dog daily, or parking further away from stores so the walking distance is greater. Also living by example is important. Parents being a good role model for their children and others.
Nancy Cullen- I too agree that education is the key.. You have to have knowledge then one can make better decisons and choices. One has to start with the young as we are seeing obesity in our children more and more and it is being more commonplace.. We have to be self motivated as we can only make those most appropriate choices and be examples for our children and grandchildren.. To feel better and, be healthier should be our incentive to live longer productive lives. Sometimes, even if we are tired, we must push ourselves to reap the benefits of exercise and help fight obesity.Jessica, had a great list of possible incentives that could also be useful in fighting obesity.
DeleteSheila, I agree that education is first line of helping prevent obesity. You provided several good suggestions on how to add activity to your day and ways to manage weight, diet, and physical activity. I agree that this is the way to make a start and people may need help with time management to learn how to fit these things into thier schedules. With both parents working maybe one parent can start cooking while the other does a physical activity with the kids.
DeleteI too agree with the importance of education. But all the education in the world is not going to help if we do not all actively work together to change the culture we live in. We have to slow down the pace and prioritize healthy habits. It starts with each of us but requires committment and support from all aspects.
DeleteI also agee with more education. There is a big problem with so many processed foods that are quick and easy but not good for us. And how many foods are advertized as healthy/organic when they are not. Also, all the pesticides and chemicals used to produce our food that are harmful and cancer causing. Then we use lotions, detergents, deoderant, and cosmetics, ect.that are also harmful. How is it that anything containing harmful/cancer causing chemicals is even allowed on the market is a mystery to me.
ReplyDeleteThis is a huge problem! Understanding what you put in your body is a huge deficit in the world today. It doesn't help that labels that are put on food can be very misleading.
DeleteI think the key to preventing obesity is education. Education needs to be done with adults as well as children. If we could show parents the effects of obesity with some sort of visual aids for themselves as well as their children they might think twice about choices they are making. Health care costs could be an effective tool in education also by providing costs of treating chronic diseases. Also showing the visuals of what these chronic illness's do to the body would be motivating in making better choices. Exercise needs to be part of this education as well. At least 3 to 4 times a week. Taking a walk or playing an outdoor game with your children would be a fun way to spend time together and get exercise.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Pamela that education is of great importance I remember growing up in the Philippines where all day we are outdoor playing, no television, no IPAD like most of the kids today. I try as much as possible to engage my kids into outdoor game whenever we can
Deletei agree with Pamela,education is the key,and should be initiated as early in childhood as possibe.
DeleteCourtney Blinten
ReplyDeleteWhat solution(s) would you propose to address this issue? What incentives could be given to encourage individuals to avoid the unhealthy choices that lead to obesity? As a healthcare provider, all patients should be assessed for anxiety/depression and refer patient to the appropriate services needed. The most effective way to help an obese patient is to determine the root cause of the obesity including mental illness, stress, hormone imbalance, family history and so on. An example is to encourage patients to live a healthy lifestyle by giving time-saving ideas on how to choose healthier meal choices and how to incorporate daily exercise in their lives.
First and foremost, families have to develop a culture of health that revolves around nutriton and exercise. Obesity seems to run in families and the approach to improve must be initiated early on. Parents need to be role models and make the effort for their children. Based on my observations at this hospital, financial incentives seem to encourage people to excercize and eat healthy (Healthy Rewards points for our HSA accounts,). Discounts for healthy groceries may help and reduced FAMILY membership fees to fitness centers. I even think that the library at CTCA having books and DVDs on excercize and nutrition for all to check out would be great.
ReplyDeleteI would propose that super size drinks and snacks are not made any longer. Educate parents on healthy nutrition at each pediatric visit. Encourage grocery stores to be located in food deserts.
ReplyDeleteI agree Mary. Our society is enablers by offering super size snacks and drinks... this only contributes to the problem!
DeleteI agree that we should eliminate the supersizing. It has gotten out of control. I think people view it as a money thing sometimes, "Oh I can get even more food for only $1 more". I learned something about grocery stores many years ago from a physician that worked with obese patients. He said to shop on the perimeter of the store because that's where all the unprocessed foods are. I never looked at a grocery store the same again.
DeleteI think it is important to reinforce education about obesity and the consequences and risks a person s at when their weght is not managed. I think certain incentives for healthy lifestyle choices could be offered to encourage patients to make these choices: for instance, insurances could offer rewards into a health saving account for people who go to the gym 3 or more times per week, or get an annual physical, or have BMI and lab values WDL.
ReplyDeleteAmy Lange, RN 3rd floor
I agreed with these incentives, but has come down to needing to award people for positive behaviour! What has happened to our society? Again we are the entitlement generation. Tami Z. Care Manager
DeleteThe problem is that there are not any easy solutions to the problem of obesity. As far as incentives, the reality is no one chooses to be over weight. We are surrounded by stressors and life styles that lead to obsesity. I struggle with the "fact" that obesity has now surpassed smoking as the greatest risk factor for being diagnosed with cancer". That is a very strong statement and I don't know that we have the data to actually support that. While I agree being overweight is not healthy, I have had more patients than I can count that have had bariatric surgery many years ago and now are diagnosed with GI cancers. I am convinced that we need to stop the escalating rate of obesity but I am not convinced that obesity in itself will lead to 500,000 additional cases of cancer by 2030. Just my opinion.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that the United States is the number one country for obesity and I believe it's because we all live such busy lives. For example, I work two jobs, just started school again and have three children. When I get home I want to finish everything as soon as possible so I can relax. Unfortunately it is easier to prepare an unhealthy meal rather than a healthy meal. It's cheaper as well. You have to stay really focused on being healthy and preparing foods days before. When I joined Core Performance, the nutritionist gave me a tip on cutting a week's worth of vegetables and separating them into baggies all on one day so I can just grab and go in the future. As far as incentives go I have made a deal with my kids. I said I would continue to have cable as long as they joined one sport a year. So far it's working and they are actually interested in more than one sport. My goal is to keep them active and off the couch.
ReplyDeleteLindsey - you bring up an important point with the busyness of our lives. Convenience foods are so much easier and often cheaper, and that has certainly contributed to the obesity epidemic in this country. Tips like you shared about having fresh veggies already cut and ready to go are so easy to implement. Another thing I do with my kids is make smoothies with fresh/frozen fruit, skim milk, and some kind of protein (usually oats or almonds) as dessert or breakfast. They love it because it tastes like a milkshake to them. I love it because it's, quick and healthy, I can use whatever I have on hand, and it doesn't have any added sugar!
DeleteI think it is off great importance to address education regarding obesity, proper nutrition and exercising and the consequences of being obese that contributes to alot of health problem like hypertension, diabetes, other hearth problem and cancer.Since i joined the Core Performance which I am thankful for our hospital for bringing acitivities like this , where we get to meet a dietician that teaches us about healthy eating. it is not about dieting but eating the right food and the right amount of food. Exercise is very helpful to most especiaaly on those day after work when all you want to do is sleep. Have it as a constant reminder all the benefit of living healthy
ReplyDeleteI agree. Education is key here. If the public was informed of the link between obesity & cancer risk then more people may make healthier choices for themselves.
DeleteAlso, church & local groups in the community can organize walks & even help promote gardening to encourage better health
I think that we live in a fast paced society where we want results immediatley. Unfortunatley the idea of "exercise now, results later" is not very appealing to many. Creating short cuts for everything in life, cheats us out of the movement that we used to do to achieve certain tasks. I think CTCA does a great job of rewarding employees for participating in healthy activities with our healthy awards. Participating in walks, runs, or just simply participating in a worksite challenge to be proactive with food choices are all ways you can earn money for your account and give great incentive to participate.
ReplyDeleteTheresa Rodriguez Minniear, Infusion
DeleteSpecifically in America, obesity is on the rise due to the American lifestyle. The high cost of living--whereby both parents need to work-- and rise in single parenting means that convenience meals have become a staple. Gone are the days of June Cleaver happily cooking dinner at home, with fresh ingredients, as pre-packaged meals and fast food are increasingly replied upon. Furthermore, we've all heard the data: fat and sugar are laden in foods (to make them taste better, and increase personal desire), portion sizes have increased, and the popularity of media (cell phones, computers, video games and reality TV) mean that people are not outside playing and exercising, as they once were.
Having said that, it really does come down to choices. Let's face it: we are a society motivated by incentives. I do think that Cigna has had unique ideas in getting us to be more responsive to our healthy: biometric screening, healthy rewards, etc. However, there is no follow-up or "push." Perhaps people could sign up to be weighed once a week, like weight watchers, or be given discounts or coupons for the purchase of healthy foods. In addition, having MORE fast food choices that are healthy are a must! Perhaps Subway can institute a drive-thru (seriously--for moms who can't disrupt the kids from carseats), and more products like EggWhite Delights, Veggie Burgers or baked fries could be offered.
I agree Theresa. We are a society of convenience; We want what we want when we want it. I do think that fast food places should offer quick but healthy alternatives on their menu. Sometimes it isn't that we are not aware that we need to eat healthy foods it is that we do not have the time to prepare the healthy food, or we are on the go so we have to resort to fast food.
DeleteI agree with Theresa. We do not eat the proper diets because sometimes we do not have the time to make the proper meals like we should. Maybe with a change in the menues at any fast food resturaunts will give a person a chance to pick the proper diet when there is not time to cook a meal.
DeleteDonna Krickl: A solution would be starting education regarding healthy eating and exercise when students are in elementary school. Schools are improving every year with their curriculum for healthy lifestyles. After his high school health class, my son refuses to eat fast food chicken nuggets anymore. Shock value was apart of the teaching method. I agree with Jessica K in solutions and I agree with Judy A regarding rolemodeling starting with parents. Sometimes the students are teaching the parents better lifestyle habits. Incentives could consist of a reward check from health insurance companies for keeping a normal BMI level or proof of exercise classes/ attendance at health club, much like safe drving reward reimbursement from car insurance companies. Financial motivation sometimes helps push people towards better choices.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! A reward system from our health insurance companies would be wonderful. My kids have also stopped eating from fast food chains because of the shock factor when they learned some things on Facebook.
DeleteWe need to try and help our patients live healthy lifestyles while caring for them. Having them express their feelings to relieve stress, cutting out on eating fast food,and increasing their activity levels are some ways to consider. But mainly "educating and promoting well being of self" could be the easy key. Not only does that change our way of living, it changes how they feel physically and emotionally as a better person. With obesity growing throughout the world, lets be ready to "educate and promote well being" .
ReplyDeleteI should have read this before I posted my comment! This is what I ment to say! good job Becky
DeleteBecky,
DeleteGood point on emphasizing self well-being. I am reading a lot about how the food we eat contributes not only to our physical but mental well-being. I get depressed easily, feel lethargic, and feel unmotivated a good majority of the time. I am starting to eat better, "good mood" food, and when I do I feel the effects. A couple examples are protein shakes, fruits and veggies along with a protein, flax seed, and cocoa powder. It's interesting how food, and the combinations of food together can influence serotonin levels, energy levels, and overall mood and sense of well-being. We all know exercise has many physical, mental, and emotional benefits as well!
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ReplyDeleteSome solutions to help address the issue of obesity would be to start with primary prevention and education. It needs to start at birth and continue thru school. Schools need to put PE back into a daily activity and promote more movement. Parents need to spend more time with thier kids instead of letting TV and video games watch them. Parents need to get kids bikes, bats, balls other items to promote movements instead of stationary games. What incentives could be given to encourage individuals to avoid the unhealthy choices that lead to obesity? This could be answered in two ways....award people for making good health choices or penalise people for making unhealthy choices. You choose. Tami. Z. RN care Manager
ReplyDeleteAs repeatedly mentioned, education is the way to approach the obesity problem. Definitely need to start educating early on about a healthy lifestyle. Many times we can learn things from our children, so if they are taught early on they can be set in the right path. Parents should also monitor the amount of time a child spends on physical activity vs sedentry activities. Parents need to now that children learn best by viewing you actions, you can tell them anything but if they do not see you doing it then why would they. As for incentives, Im not sure that people should get something for making healthy choices. But, I do think that we should brutally honest with children. Show pictures of what not living a healthy lifestyle can look like.
ReplyDeleteCorrection.....Need to know
DeleteOne good solution I think would help the obesity epidemic would be for everyone to grow their own garden. We would eat healthier and get physical activity all in one! Incentives to avoid unhealthy choices could be earning money, maybe like a tax write off, if you do not have metabolic syndrome. And for kids they could earn points for every year they stay healthy, and when they are 18 get a scholarship for college.
ReplyDeleteWhat solution(s) would you propose to address this issue? What incentives could be given to encourage individuals to avoid the unhealthy choices that lead to obesity?
ReplyDeleteAs I said in a reply, how we are raised definitely influences our future choices and habits. Of course that's part of change and dieting; changing our habits. If we start out with good habits it's easier to stay on the path. Getting rid of vending machines, offering incentives to employees, not buying junk at the grocery store are all ways to keep it out of sight, helping with the cravings. Part of education, showing people what happens when people get sick might help us change our minds when making choices.
We must continue to educate people about healthy choices and lifestyles, as well as, teach about what really happens to our bodies when we make poor choices. There are so many options out there to get the word out. Americans will not be forced into good health by restrictions. They want choices and freedom. Incentives from schools, the workplace, and health insurance companies would certainly help a lot. Everyone likes to be rewarded which in turn would help the average American be able to afford more expensive healthy foods.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all that education is important, but I would also like to see a ban on the advertising of junk food just as in the past we saw the ban of advertising of tobacco products with positive results. We don't need anymore new cookies, crackers, cereal, ice-cream, processed foods and tv dinners! Stop pedaling the junk!
ReplyDeleteI agree completely. We need to promote healthy foods that taste very good (if not better than junk food) but we also need to teach people the importance of exercise. Less time on the internet and playing video games and more time outside being active!
DeleteI believe in education on the proper diet and exercising. Now days people go through the fast food resturants to feed their familes because they are to tired to cook a proper meal. With motivation on teaching a person to change their life styles to help them loose weight. Parents should motivate their childrens to go out for sports instead of sitting on the couch to play video games. Familes could start exercising together by riding their bikes or just go for long walks together. With family time at meals and exercising could give each of the family members to change their life styles and make their lives alot healthier.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jennifer been a young mother of two I balance what my kids eat. I allow them to be kids and watch a movie and have sweet treat but I also make them eat fruits and veggies. Drink water throughout the day and we'll play ball even in this bad weather we play ball inside. "Teach them young". Education is key.
DeleteI think we all learn at a young age what is good and bad. Many people make bad choices when it comes to eating because fast food is everywhere its fast and convinient. By teaching younger kids or your own kids to drink more water, fruits and vegetables at a young age you can help them in the right path to living a healthier lifestyle. Also watch less T.V. or if you must watch it work out at home while you do. You can tell people what to do but it all comes down to personal choice you can make someone do things they don't want to do.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree, and you are right - the things we learn and see at a young age definitely impact the choices we make for ourselves as an adult. Educate young, lead by example, and in the end people will choose their own path.
DeleteWe also need to stop the advertisement of unhealthy foods to our youth. Just as alcohol and tobacco ads targeted to kids are prohibited, we need to prohibit the advertisement of candy, soft drinks, sugar-cereals, and snack foods to kids. To make things simple, I would propose that no food or beverage products can be shown during children’s programming at all. Mary Taylor
DeleteEducation is a major starting point to address this issue. Along with education, having a proactive attitude to eat healthy and exercise on a regular basis need to be implemented on a daily basis and should begin early through schools. Parents should encourage their children to participate in sports (reduce the amount of time spent on the internet (facebook, twitter) and and eat healthy and as healthcare professionals that is something we need to emphasize with our patients. Incentives that we have through work with our hsa accounts are excellent ways to promote a healthy lifestyle which every workplace should have available to their employees. Schools and parents should also offer some sort of incentive to eat healthy and be active.
ReplyDeleteAs everyone has mentioned, education is a priority. The important part is to begin educating at a young age. As parents we need to teach our children to eat healthy by only offering healthy food options as well as monitoring their level of activity (encouraging sports at school, outside playtime with friends and less time in front of the computer). Healthy rewards is very helpful to encourage people on the right path, but I strongly feel that being healthy alone is a strong enough reward.
ReplyDeleteI agree, that it starts in the home. We hope that parents make the right food choices and pass them down. We need to make sure that people are educated about the dangers of some of the foods they may be feeding their chirldren.
DeleteThere are many solutions to helping with the obesity solution. Like many, I think it should start with education. I believe that schools and the pediatrician offices should discuss healthy eating and the risk of obesity and an inproper diet with the students/patients and their parents. I think the talks could include simple things such as discussing during calisthenics during T.V. commercials if you are watching T.V., parking far away from the entrance of where you are going, and baking meats, poultry, and fish. I think the incentives that should be discussed would be the ablility to decrease the risk heart disease, pain, respiratory issues, etc... I also think that it should be discussed as a fun way to spend time with your family coming up with healthy ways to prepare favorite dishes, create new dishes, exercise together, and even compete to see who can do the most of s certain exercise on a T.V. commercial. All families need to limit time on video games and consider having there child play a sport.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Patricia. Commercial time can be used in a fun way for the whole family - great way to motivate one another and provide a little competitive spirit! Family input with recipes, etc usually promotes better compliance from all members if they were included in decision making from the beginning.
DeleteEducation, supporting each other, and self dicipline are key to improving our health and decreasing obesity. Education most definitely especially at an early age. Supporting one another whether it be family, friends, or co-workers - there are many opportunities in our day to day lives to positively impact diet and exercise. I know personally - it always helps to have someone encourage me to go for a walk with them... or thankful for a whisper in my ear to replenish another cup of water. Specifically here at CTCA, there are resources here to exercise and co-workers that will offer to grab a refill on your water bottle while they go to get there own. Self discipline is also needed to make the right choices... plan ahead meals so that the high calorie alternatives are not as tempting.
ReplyDeleteThat all being said - I should probably start taking my own advice :)
Danyel Scharff
DeleteI love being able to help not just our patients but each other as well. The things that you suggest to positively impact one another to make healthier choices are excellent. It made me think that it would be really awesome for a mid-morning and mid-day fuit and veggie cart (with proceeds to benefit Assistance in Health Care) that goes to all units to make it easy for our stakeholders to have ready and available healthy snacks (no excuses such as no time to shop, clean, chop, package, etc...).
DeleteDebbie Tyson, RN
DeleteEducation is one of the solutions, It should start from home, teachings should be intiated while children are young. We should also practice what we preach. Excercise is another big emphasis.When my girls were in grade school thier Physical Education were scheuduled for 2 days only. I believe that P.E. should be scheduled 5 times a week. It is bad enough that our children stayed inside our homes playing video games, e.games etc.
ReplyDeleteWe should encourage our children and whole family the commitment to physical activities.And also the goverment should encourage that to employers. I really appreciate our company CTCA for the great endeavor of providing healthy rewards program for healty practices, prevention which become incentives.
Many of the responses emphasize the importance of education and personal choice, both of which are key in the discussion of obesity. However, it is also important to keep in mind the segments of our population that have their choices limited by lack of access to resources. I live in Racine, WI, which has been deemed one of the state's ten least healthiest counties. 8% of the city is considered a food desert, meaning there is no grocery store in the area that offers fresh foods. The majority of people who live in these food desert areas are low income, and 20-30% do not have their own vehicle, relying on public transportation, or the local corner stores, for their grocery shopping (stats from Racine Journal Times). During the summer we discovered that our own neighbor kids often have to settle for a bag of chips and soda for their dinner, and we had almost daily knocks on our door asking for an apple or banana as a snack. In Racine's public school system, 60% of the kids qualify for either free or reduced meals. For many of these kids, school is the only place they actually get a full meal. The meal service boasts that their options are "always baked never fried," but for breakfast, the kids choose from five sugary cereals. A sample weekly lunch menu includes meatball hoagies, mini corn dogs, popcorn chicken, hamburgers, and turkey with gravy. These kids come from families with very limited incomes. Unfortunately, fast food and convenience foods are cheaper and more accessible than fresh produce, lean meats, whole grains, etc. So while education and personal choice are essential in leading a healthy lifestyle, we cannot ignore the fact that not everyone has the same range of choices available to them. One suggestion would be to offer community health education programs that are offered to residents for free or at minimal cost with incentives like vouchers or discounts to grocery stores with fresh produce. It would be great to have cooking classes specifically geared toward low-cost healthy foods that are quick and easy to prepare. Another idea would be some sort of incentive program within schools to encourage children to make healthy choices involving meals and exercise. (all stats from Racine Journal Times)
ReplyDeleteWow, Julie, the information you provide is very eye-opening. I absolutely agree that community health education programs could help. How about community supported classes showing how to grow your own vegetable garden? For people with small (4'x4') patches of soil available, this could be beneficial.
DeleteJulie, thank you for pointing out that not everyone has the same choices available to them. I think it is important as nurses, to get to know our patient or patient population, so we can adequately assess strategies for their situation.
DeleteJulie, thank you for posting this. I must say this is shocking and I never even considered access an issue. I think starting with changing the school menu would be a start if that is possible. I also like Nicole's idea of a a community garden.
DeleteJulie- I am so glad you posted this! I live in Beach Park, which is right next to Zion and Waukegan, where I am sure this is probably and issue as well. I like your idea of vouchers for fresh produce for attending a community program. Great thoughts!
DeleteJulie, you are absolutely right regarding the need to address access and affordabilty being an additional key to ensure all members of our society can make healthier choices. Neighborhood gardens are a wonderful thing too. Enlisting the local chapters for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts could be a place to start as they often need volunteer 'projects' to be completed in order to earn the top levels such as Eagle Scout.
DeleteDebbie Tyson, RN
DeleteI believe obesity is on the rise due to the ridiculous amounts of time we spend on electronics. It's about lifestyle choices. Prior to Facebook and cell phones, you might actually walk down the block to a neighbor's house to see how they are doing, burning calories along the way. People are able to sit for extended periods of time (longer than when watching the TV) while on a laptop or ipad. I believe we need to make *conscious* decisions about our time, and how we use it, rather than becoming Zombies to the internet. Society usually doesn't follow suit until a specific behavior is "shamed". (i.e. cigarettes, sugared sodas). Perhaps one day excessive electronic use will become undesirable and a couch-potato label is placed on the activity. (As I type this I can't help but acknowledge the irony of sitting in front of my computer...)
ReplyDeleteI agree Nicole, our American culture started changing in the late 70s and early 80s with the development of more electronic devices from companies such as Atari, Nintendo, and even media outlets such as cable TV with MTV that was designed for children to watch and be entertained versus get up and play. These new innovations impacted American lifestyle and had significant impact on decreasing physical activity for both children and adults as seen in the last 30-40 years. Gone are the days of children occupying their time going outside to play neighborhood hide and seek, tag, or kick the can. Most children today play video games or are on social media. Children today lead a more sedentary lifestyle that is modeled by their parents. Our American culture is also full of convenience and excess.
DeleteI agree with you Nicole. We do tend to spend our time in computers, Ipad, TV and other electronics. What did we do before all those came out? I remember when i was growing up in the Phil. , we didn't have those electronics. No TV's, cell phone, IPads, nintendo games, IPhone, etc. Can you imagine what kind of activities there are without those electronics?I spend my days outside the house(well, we did have the nice weather) and played with the neighbors' kids after school. Of course, that's after we did the tons of assignments the teachers had assigned us. We did communicate well with each other then even without the electronics. Ahhh... those were the days....
DeleteI agree, it should start in the home but; one way that the public sector can help is by bringing some of the old systems back and controlling what is allowed into the school system food chain. Back in the day schools did not have snack machines where children had the choice of fast non nutritional junk foods such as soda and chips. The cafeteria had cooked food from individuals who had jobs to do so. There was always a meat, a starch and a vegetable with a small desert. We were served milk or chocolate milk. Maybe there was OJ or pineapple juice and the portions were small in sectional trays. We had a physical recess, with physical play time after lunch or before, then a physical play time before going home. Children did not have the choice to pick the wrong thing. These choices have resulted in what we see today in the school food chain; poor nutrition, unhealthy eating, overweight and poor physical activity. It should start in the home but; one way that the public sector can help is by bringing some of the old systems back and controlling what is allowed into the school system food chain.
ReplyDeleteEducation is key to improving the nations nutrition and helping them to consume fewer calories I know our schools are cash strapped and many schools don’t even seem to have enough money to teach the kids reading, writing and arithmetic but we need to teach our kids about health and nutrition. Thats the job of the parents you say? Well its clear from our skyrocketing obesity rates that the current generation of parents know very little about health and nutrition so how can they possibly teach their kids? Yes, parents *should* teach their kids about nutrition but since the government picks up the expensive health care tab when the parents fail, its in America’s financial interest to step in and teach the kids.
ReplyDeleteMary Taylor
ReplyDeleteMy recommendation is to educate both children and adults to respect their bodies and fuel them with foods that provide balanced nutrition and energy. I also recommend that parents should petition any public schools given subsidies by the government to feed our children be required to meet certain nutritious standards including onsite meal preparation and not reheating unrecognizable foods. There is a difference between roasted fresh vegetables and canned goods. School districts have a choice as to where to purchase food for children. Support programs that utilize local and sustainable products whenever possible. According to the Federal Education Budget Project, the National School Lunch Program supports student’s nutrition in over 101,000 schools and residential facilities. It provides free and reduces priced meals to low-income children before school, during school, and after school, and over summertime. In the fiscal year 2012, federal school nutrition programs underwrote more than five billion lunches served to over 31 million students. I feel school nutrition programs should be a part of the general operating budget with input from parents for optimal results. Schools districts parents are concerned about everything from new text books, new band or football uniforms. Why shouldn’t children and parents have input into the nutrition program to see if there is a better choice than bulk reheated chicken product and unrecognizable sides that is within the budget. I realize that healthy whole foods are more expensive than cheap processed foods. So I would then also propose the government give healthy incentives with tax credits or subsidies for schools and even to parents as an option to take off as a deduction for the purchase of whole non-processed foods. The government is already throwing money at wasteful programs why not have them throw money toward the nutritional well-being of our children and their future health. 31 billion healthy whole food meals served would be an excellent way to start! Link to source: http://febp.newamerica.net/background-analysis/federal-school-nutrition-programs
ReplyDeleteEducation would be number one on my list to address the obesity issue. Education should consist not only of the risk factors associated with obesity, but prevention strategies. If more people were taught the links between obesity and cancer it may give them more incentive to lose weight. Education can come in so many different forms and through so many different places. Television commercials and programs, billboards, job related programs and classes, school activities, and community services could all be sources of education. Along with education, incentives to lose weight or live a healthier lifestyle can be provided. Our CTCA healthy rewards program is a good example of an incentive to take control of one’s health. Other examples of incentives are free health screenings, discounted insurance prices for healthy weight individuals, and perhaps discounts on healthy grocery items.
ReplyDelete~Krista Gosda RN 3rd floor
I think health should be the incentive over thinness. We are culture focused on thinness as the ideal and "thin" people get a pass, irregardless of how they acheived their weight loss or weight maintenance. Not all weight loss is acheived in a healthy way. I propose setting realistic long term goals based on acheiving health vs a specific weight. Small changes become habit, long term habits payoff in changes, cumulative changes equal real health benefits. As far as incentives, if we are talking about incentives through CTCA then perhaps more focus on healthy rewards for coaching and participating in a gym; or an increase in healthy rewards for the yearly biometric screening if the person has decreased their weight over the year or acheived a measurable improvement in blood pressure, glucose or triglycerides.
ReplyDeleteWhat solution(s) would you propose to address this issue? What incentives could be given to encourage individuals to avoid the unhealthy choices that lead to obesity?
Beena Patel, Infusion Center
DeleteI agree with michelle about the incentives that our organization provides to it's stakeholders. I have not come across any other institution that puts in this much effort to help their employes get healthy and stay healthy.
What solution(s) would you propose to address this issue? I believe the key to this issue is EDUCATION! Just as so many before also wrote, but it really is the foundation for making changes. As parents and nurses, we need to also model what we teach. If we tell our children or patients to eat healthy and exercise, but do not do so ourselves, we will not be as influential. Show kids it is fun to eat healthy and play outside instead of being glued to a tv or video game and we can make some positive changes.
ReplyDeleteWhat incentives could be given to encourage individuals to avoid the unhealthy choices that lead to obesity? The Healthy Rewards program at CTCA is a perfect example of an incentive to encourage people to make healthy choices. I feel it is becoming increasingly common for companies to have onsite health fairs and discounts for healthy employees. I feel this is a great direction for companies to be headed. It's a win win for all!
I completely agree with several of the posts above that education is the most important way to address this issue. I think people need to understand what is in the food they eat. They also need to understand how their processed food is made and preserved. I had attended a class in the past that Terry Watt had presented in. She brought in an old fast food hamburger, and fries that she had for years. It was still intact, and did not have any mold on it. I do not eat fast food, and close to 100% of the foods I eat are organic or biodynamic. I am the first to preach about proper food choices, and avoidance of chemical filled foods. Terry's presentation of this was shocking to me. I think education and providing proof of this is the only way to adddress this. Employer related health incetives, as well as cost saving incetives insurance prevmium savings etc) may be a possible of way of assistng with this issue. I would be nice to see more and more employers join in on health programs that are very accessible.
ReplyDeleteI love that employers like CTCA offer incentives and education on healthy eating and lifestyles and it is a great start! I think America would see a big change if more employers did this. I feel the food industries should continue to provide convenience however also offer convenient healthy choices. Although many of them are starting to do this more need to follow. If we educate ourselves now we will pass it on to our children and hopefully theirs.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Andrea. we have to educate ourselves to pass this knowledge on to our children. If we don't set good examples for them what will their incentive be to make healthy choices. . .
DeleteWhat solutions to propose to address obesity on the rise?
ReplyDeletei agree with everybody that education is the key to this issue. Well informed public makes well informed patients. Exercise is the best way to keep the weight down plus eating healthy foods. I know this is a struggle for many of us. Some of us are too tired after work to do this. That's why, when I'm at work, i tried to do stairs instead of elevators. I admire those energetic employees that can do sumba and core performances after work.
What incentives to encourage individuals to avoid the unhealthy choices that lead to obesity?
I believe CTCA is already doing that. CTCA offers healthy rewards points for HSA accounts for their employees. That means more moolah to save. Also healthy coaching is a plus.
I agree CTCA is a great example on incentives that can be offered in the workplace to encourage stakeholders to make healthier choices. It would be great if more companies would offer these incentives throughout our country.
DeleteGreat post JT Castro I believe as you do that a well informed public makes well informed patients. However there are still patients and family members that smoke and use other tobacco products on a regular basis. The bad effects of smoking have been well known for many years. Not all people heed good advice some of us need incentives. I myself have been guilty of this as I smoked for many years myself. Now for whatever reason I look at my life and am making decisions to maintain my health as long as I can so that I may not have to pay for healthcare that can be prevented. Additionally I feel blessed that our employer supports us with a healthcare provider that offeres incentives for health lifestyles. On a national level believe that this could have been achieved with the Affordable Care Act inititives with addition of HSA's and healthy award programs like we experience.
DeleteI believe education is one solution to the rise of obesity in our country. We have started programs in the workplace and in our schools. These programs need to countine and grow to reach all the population.
ReplyDeleteIncentives to encourage indviduals to make healthier choices could include reduced insurance rates, free exercise programs, food prep courses and clothing discounts when you drop a size !
I agree Margie , except that I believe education should begin at home to make the kids at home be aware that obesity is on the rise , and can contribute to a lot of deadly diseases . then the school ,then our workplace. Yes to incentives to encourage individiuals , lower insurance rate is excellent ,free excercise programs .how about free scrubs too..
DeleteWhat solution(s) would you propose to address this issue? What incentives could be given to encourage individuals to avoid the unhealthy choices that lead to obesity? This issue is a difficult issue that will require social and societal change. I believe that this change is already underway here in the united states. Recently in the news it was stated that a federal report showed a drop in childhood obesity between 2008-2011. I believe this is a positive sign and it is a result of a gradual social and societal change. This change I believe has been brought about by educating the public on the severity of, increased morbidity and mortality associated with obesity. I further believe that as people begin to realize more and more the actual cost of healthcare through the Hi-deductable policies in the affordable care act, additional financial pressures will be applied further strengthening this societal change resulting in more people adjusting their lifestyles to decrease risk of chronic preventable disease brought on by obesity.
ReplyDeleteMost agree that education is key. As John has stated, this is a complex issue. For example, I am educated about exercise and eating healthy. My current lifestyle is working against all good intentions. Working a busy shift, commute time, then starting on school work places me on my butt in front of the computer for an average of 12 hours per day and most of the weekend. My good intentions go by the wayside when I add housecleaning, errands and yardwork to the equation. My exercise has become anything that is movement away from the computer.
ReplyDeleteI skip meals to be "more productive" or graze while working. I'm finally working in a department that stresses self care, so I hope to change the pattern.
I can only imagine how difficult changing bad habits can be for those people who have not been educated.
This country has not done enough to prevent marketing foods that appeal to a need for convenience, but are unhealthy. Stick with fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats - and restrict salt, sugar, red meat and portion size. Move more.
Great Post Catherine,
DeleteI agree it is difficult, I recently had to change my schedule to afternoons and I have started to develop a routine that incorperates going to the GYM for one hour every day. It is not easy getting in bed at midnight and back up at 06:30 to do it all over again, but it has been possible and I have developed it into a habit. Developing it as a habit is most benificial to keeping it up, but now my department is talking about changing hours and that may eliminate my ability to go to the GYM on the days that I work.
On another note one thing all developing societes are dealing with in regards to obesty is with the processed and manufactured food items containing concentrated calories. This was mentioned in our reading, and I believe this does pose a problem. When it takes a smaller amount of food to reach a calorie surplus for the day without achieving a sensation of satiety, people will tend to eat more than their calorie demands.
I think, as many others have said, education is key. However, I think the education needs to start while people are young. Teaching children to think of food as necessary for daily living, rather than as a treat or reward it may help some. During my MSN education I did a project based on Michelle Obama's campaign for chidhood obesity called "Let's Move!" I think this program is a GREAT way to get started while children are young in teaching the importance of a well balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables and also a reminder to get up and move! Only so much can be done in schools and communities, though. Parents also have to see the importance in this. A child can learn all they can in school but if they go home and there is only processed, fatty foods in the home then they cannot control that. Everyone needs to join together- communities, parents, schools, etc- to help combat obesity in America.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with comments above from Julie Campbell. It is difficult in low income areas where there are no fresh produce grocery stores around for people to find or even afford these items. I like her thoughts on vouchers for people to obtain fresh produce at community events. Any little bit helps!
As many have stated, education is a large factor in this issue. Many think that obesity is a choice, and in many ways it can be, however, genetics can play a large role as well, and individuals needs proper education to adjust lifestyle choices and have regular health screenings as a secondary line of prevention. Some great incentives that have been created to help with these issues have been put in place at our facility with our health program. We have incentives that if you have a regular “well-being” check-up annually, participate in a 5K run/walk, gym membership, and such, you will receive a dollar amount per activity to add to your healthy rewards! I think that more programs such as these can really motivate people.
ReplyDeleteAs a mother I would have to say that we need to start off in schools. Kids need to be taught proper diet and exercise. Particularly in my son’s school, he only has gym 3 days a week; he is not getting the recommended daily exercise from school. On top of this, then he comes home and does homework, has dinner and has a little time for himself. Lucky, my son is an active child but not all children are getting their exercise. They might take their downtime and play on their iPhone or their Xbox. Therefore, if we added 30 minutes onto the school schedule so that each child can get at least that much activity in a day, it may help to reduce their risk for health complications later on in life and create a healthy habit of showing the importance of daily exercise. Also, I believe that children’s diets are lacking in many ways. I am not sure about you but my son has 25 minutes to be able to slam down some food. The only thing that really works for me to pack him is a sandwich or he can buy a hot lunch at school. When I tried to be more creative and send him to school with something that has to be heated up, he was unable to use a microwave because there is not one available. When I talked to the Principal to see if microwaves can be donated to the school, he checked with the Superintendent who stated that there is not enough time in that 25 minutes for enough children to be able to warm up their lunch. I agree that 25 children cannot warm up their meal and still have time to eat in 25 minutes, but where does it stop. Our company does a wonderful job with health incentives by offering us healthy roads where we get paid to participate in community sponsored event suck as walking or running.
ReplyDeleteBeena Patel, Infusion Center
ReplyDeleteAs many of the others have said, Education is the key. Just by producing an AD or a flyer that talks about obesity and its relationship to cancer isn’t enough. As with anything else, People need to have hands on experience. I find that just by having someone tell you that you can’t or shouldn’t do something is not going to stop you from doing it. They need to know and maybe even experience the consequence of their actions for them to be able to truly change their behavior.
Our organization has found a great way to keep motivating its stakeholders each year. Offering Healthy rewards points just for doing biometric screening and visiting PCP is a simple but efficient way to help stakeholders get motivated and stay motivated.
Beena,
DeleteYou make a great point that people have to experience tragedy before it may affect their lives. For a patient who has to go through DUI classes has to listen to a panel of people who have been effected by alcohol and how. There should be this same kind of real life experiences shared with our younger generation so that they can see the real impact of certain choices and lifestyle habits.
I think for one thing that the schools need to have physical educatioon thru high school. It would at least make kids think about moving around. Limiting childrens time on TV shows, computer games and video games would also help. Maybe a deal of so much excerise in a day allows so much time on the electronics. Could this maybe motivate children? Maybe families need to slow down, cook more healthy meals. More nutriention classes could help adults with cooking and children with knowing what are good snacks. The other hard thing is for healthy good eating it is very expensive. The bad foods seem to be cheaper and easlier to grab for dinner or a snack. If the adults would exercise more could it be that the children will get the message.
DeleteMcdonalds in Des Plaines Illinois first day sales in April 15 , 1955 was $366.12 . Today Mickey D feed over 25 million people in the U.S. daily. Became a global brand with over 34 restaurant in 118 countries . Customers eat up to 9 million lbs of fries , equal to the weight of 900 elephants .People should learn to stay away from instant meal , fast food places , Chinese buffets , and should be educated on cooking at home . Parents should teach their children about the benefits of healthy eating . Less junk food , more on physical games , rather than computer games.
ReplyDeleteGood job Ronnie, interesting facts on McDonald’s. I like that you bring up another aspect of the quantity of food in pounds in relationship to elephants. It made me try to visualize the 900 elephants and that’s a lot of tons and quite a visual thing to imagine. As you mentioned, we now live in a world of technology which does lead to a more sedentary lifestyle with our laptops, smart phones, notebooks, and all the other devices we have now that we didn’t before. Trying to find a balance with work, school, family, friends, sports, etc... Way too many commitments in life are a work in progress.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Education which is mentioned in quite a few of the blogs – education on the benefits of eating well balanced meals is a key component for improving our obesity issue. There’s a saying “knowledge is power” and as health care providers we should be empowering our patients with knowledge for healthy choices. It will take some time to lower the obesity population, it’s a process and not an overnight fix, as this problem evolved over time. We’ve already started acknowledging the benefits of proper nutrition and exercise for healthy living. We probably will never eliminate this medical condition for multiple reasons, mostly out of everyone’s direct control. We can educate and teach proper nutrition, but ultimately it’s an individual decision on what, when and how we decide to eat anything. Personally, I believe the philosophy of “everything in moderation” which is Weight Watcher’s motivating phrase. Deprivation usually does not last for a long period of time, one of the reasons why food diets fail for the most part. As for incentives, I go back to the rationale of overall general health. Being within your BMI range will be good for your body and appearance. This usually leads to a positive mindset, which leads to improving your overall quality of life and longevity.
ReplyDeleteGail, you are so right in that it will definitely be a complex process that evolves over time in order to decrease obesity in ourselves and society. Being constantly vigilant can be exhausting and then leads to binge eating the unhealthy food choices, which is where your philosphy of "everything in moderation" definitely has it's merit.
DeleteDebbie Tyson, RN
DeleteOne solution that I'd propse would be to set a good example for our children that includes teaching them at a very young age.I believe that obesity is on the rise largely due to the ‘instantaneous’ aspects of our society. We are no longer willing to do all the things required (planning, shopping, cleaning/washing, cutting/prepping, cooking) to make a healthy meal as it is so much easier to go to the drive thru window and be served a meal in minutes. Many of our children were raised seeing how quickly they can be gratified and have no concept of all that is involved in meal preparation. Then as adults they don’t want to make the effort as it will involve major life style changes for them.
ReplyDeleteThe incentives to encourage avoidance of unhealthy choices leading to obesity include all of the things offered here at CTCA from weight watchers, core performance, healthy awards to the awesome wholesome bristo choices from the cafeteria.
I agree with so many of the other posts that education is key as well as setting a good example. At dinner time at my house we sit down as a family to eat our meal. Desert isn't always sweets. It's often fruit. My children love it. They often want fruit over candy when offered both. Physical activity as a family is great also. In the warmer months we go for walks or bike rides after dinner. Not only do we get in exercise but a chance to talk about their day.
ReplyDeleteTerry Watt RN, OCN
ReplyDeleteDiscussion Question:
What solutions would you propose to address this issue? People need to be educated re: the connections to obesity, lifestyle, and disease developments and how changes in lifestyle can have a dramatic effect on how the body functions.
What incentives could be given to encourage individuals to avoid the unhealthy choices that lead to obesity? Healthy rewards for healthy living are helpful. Decrease in the cost of health insurance. Time off of work for not just sick days but for rewards for staying well and on the job for a specified periods of time.
Families are affected in many ways psychologically by genetic testing, one prime example i can think of would be a Mother who is BRCA positive having to tell her daughter she needs genetic testing because she is predisposed and now the mother is feeling guilty for having carried the mutation and having to share this with her daughter.
ReplyDelete