Women and obesity

Obesity, or too much body fat, is a chronic disease that is a health threat for women at every stage of life. Obesity is linked as a contributing factor to serious health conditions. As the prevalence of obesity has grown significantly, obesity has become the second largest cause of preventable death in the United States, following tobacco. Today's children and young adults are on track to mature into the most obese generation in US history, creating pressure on the health care system to deal with fat related disease.

As much as we like fast food, it will cause weight gain. Salts cause water weight gain giving that bloated feeling. Your body will breakdown the fat using what it needs for cellular energy and growth while the rest will be distributed and stored. American obesity has been linked scientifically to the typical American diet that is high in fats, salt and sugar. Sodas and juices are high sugary and acidic drinks. The acid will weaken and strip away tooth enamel. The sugar is empty calories and will essentially cause hunger and crave more sugar.

As women age, our metabolisms slow, hormone levels fluctuate and energy decreases. Lack of regular exercise and a sedentary lifestyle will cause weight gain. If we don't keep our eating habits in check and make the right food choices, packing on the pounds is easy to do. Having the "I just don't care" "I've always been heavy" "I've tried to lose the weight but can't" way of thought is self-defeating. Don't make the possible seem impossible. The first step in losing weight is to believe you can. Otherwise, the lackadaisical attitude will keep you on the merry-go-round of mood changes and health risk. A positive attitude toward food choices and exercise will help maintain a healthy weight.

Unhealthy diets and obesity will lead to:

Obstetric and Gynecologic Complications
Cholecystitis and pancreatitis
Sleep apnea
Type 2 Diabetes (NIDDM)
BReast Cancer
Low back pain, arthritis

Obesity increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and complicates management. The presence of obesity exacerbates metabolic abnormalities of diabetes including hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and dyslipidemia. Obesity also increases insulin resistance and glucose intolerance.

The risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular disease is increased with the coexistence of obesity and type 2 diabetes increasing morbidity and mortality. Body weights 20-30% above the ideal have mortality rates 2.5 to 3.3 times higher than for those of normal weight with type 2 diabetes!

Given all the scientific evidence and what we know, the percentage of overweight and obese Americans remains at an all time high. Making healthy food choices, incorporating exercise and living an overall healthy lifestyle is wiser and safer than choosing a life with a high risk health threat.

Good health,

TrIsha M. Pacenti RN, BSN

www.patientsmedical.com/women/obesity

Choosing between fiinancial protection vs financial ruin

Why have it?  If you have a family who depends on your paycheck for financial survival, then that is the foremost reason why you should have it. You are protecting your family's financial health after your death. The life insurance proceeds are transferred to your family tax free. The life insurance company you don't like and complain about will suddenly be loved once your family receives their check upon your death.

Your family will be able to pay death related expenses in addition to current and future bills. Life insurance allows you to invest in protection for very little cost. It is the least expensive, value added insurance available. There is no one reason for anyone to go without it. Premiums are low cost and those on a fixed budget can afford it.

Who else should have it? Anyone who is breathing. The need for life insurance is there. Someone will be burdened by the cost of your death. Having a life policy in place, even a low face amount just to cover death related expenses, is sufficient. The time to buy a life policy is now. Today is the youngest and healthiest you will be. Locking in premiums at your current age and before your next birthday, will ensure you are getting the lowest price possible.

The age of discussing death as a taboo topic is over. Procrastinating and denying own mortality is costly to everyone. By failing to prepare you a preparing to fail.

Good health,
Trisha M. Pacenti RN,BSN
www.nurseinsagent.com