Group wise to realize local residents should shape up
Soaring health insurance costs are a constant concern. In the past several years, it seems health care premiums have gone up every time the seasons change.
It doesn’t take much research to figure out the root of the problem. Americans are growing more and more unhealthy. Our waistlines are expanding. Our diet is deteriorating. Our lives are becoming more sedentary.
That’s why a new group called Warren County Shapes Up has stepped in with the hope of making a difference. The eight founding members have created a six-week diet and exercise program and are hoping for as much community involvement as possible.
There are two separate programs – one for beginners and another one for people with a more advanced level of fitness. The goal, said group member Hilda Lytle, is not to get people to eat only fruits and vegetables and run three miles a day, but to encourage subtle changes that will make a difference over time.
And subtle changes are what’s needed for a nation that’s barreling the wrong way when it comes to overall health.
“We lead the world in obesity,” said group member Hugh Fletcher, who joins the coalition from Cookeville. Fletcher promotes a series of fitness oriented books and videos for his company, Freedom for Life.
“If our present diet trends continue, one out of every three children will become diabetic,” said Fletcher. “It’s something that’s a function of our junk food diet.”
Warren County Shapes Up is urging all local residents to take part in its six-week program that starts Sept. 18, the week after the fair. The group has developed week-by-week guidelines that make following the program easy. The group will have a booth at the fair, or the program can be picked up at the Civic Center.
The Standard is getting on board too and encouraging the community to participate in this very worthwhile project. This six-week plan certainly won’t cure all our health problems, but it’s a first step in the right direction.
Considering our current downward spiral, any positive step is a welcome one.