As the obesity epidemic grows in scope, so too does the “blame game.” Lack of exercise, over-consumption of food, sedentary work environments, lifestyle choices, biological predispositions, genes…the list of possible culprits for America’s fatness goes on.
Fast food is a common target. Earlier this month, an advocacy group launched a campaign petitioning 26 hospitals across the country to remove a major fast food restaurant from their cafeterias with the aim of sending a “better message” to consumers.
Some of the reasoning behind the group’s initiative comes from a 2006 study published in the journal Pediatrics that concluded that allowing fast food centers to operate in hospitals not only affects guests’ consumption of fast food on the day of their visit, but also unintentionally boosts the perception of the “healthfulness” of fast food in general. Here’s more research that supports the initiative:
Courtesy of wagnerfpa.wordpress.com.
So being near to fast food increases the likelihood of obesity, but will removing fast food from hospitals (and other institutions and neighborhoods) help solve the problem?
Consider this:
Blaming fast food restaurants for obesity can place us on a slippery slope. Should we remove buses from our streets to force people to choose the less convenient, but “healthier” walking or biking options? After all, sitting for long periods of time is correlated with obesity, and most adults do not get the recommended level of exercise.
Similarly, while we should limit consumption of fast food, we can’t eliminate it from the American diet as long as there is a demand for convenient, inexpensive, and (arguably) tasty food. We need to improve health through education and develop incentives that encourage healthy lifestyle decisions, proper nutrition, and exercise.
Perhaps a partnership between hospitals and Weight Watchers (or other proven commercial weight loss programs), or the establishment of walking groups or active events within hospital walls, could promote lasting change.
We won’t make any progress in the fight against obesity by playing the blame game at the expense of taking responsibility for our health into our own hands.
Courtesy of www.topnews.in.
What do you think? Will restricting fast food lead to a decrease in obesity? How can we as individuals, families, and institutions promote a healthier America?
Our tennis pros are seen on court so often that you might think that all they do is eat, sleep, and breathe tennis. But, there is much more behind the racquets.
All of our pros are Certified Professionals, but each has a diverse background and has taken a different path to Midtown Tennis. Our new “Courtside” blog series will introduce you to our Pros on a personal level.
First up is Sean Henegan, Weston’s Junior Tennis Development Coordinator. Sean has been coaching tennis for about nine years.
Born and raised in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Sean grew up playing sports. At 16 years old his family relocated to Ohio where he attended high school. He graduated from Wright University with a BS in Psychology.
After having played tennis in high school and college, the sport evolved into a potential career option as his coaches told him how well he played. Shortly after graduating, he moved to Florida where he now resides with his brother. A natural born athlete, Sean enjoys playing rugby, cricket, golf, and basketball. Sean is also a big college football fan.
When he is not at work, he relaxes by playing beach volleyball and body surfing. Sean enjoys traveling and learning from other cultures, and is a true athlete who maintains a disciplined, regular fitness routine to maintain good health. He thinks it is important to stay active and hopes to encourage our younger population to do the same.
Sean’s favorite part of his job as a Junior Tennis Development Coordinator is to watch kids not only improve in their tennis but also to watch them mature into young adults.
Carole: What do you think draws people to the game of tennis?
Sean: There is always something new to learn. It is challenging; it’s always testing your body and your mind, and it’s a great social sport.
Carole: Tennis is a popular sport, but some people are hesitant to give it a try. Why do you think this is?
Sean:I think the main reason is that it is more challenging than it looks. Perhaps the individual has not been successful in hitting the ball or he/she could have had a bad experience with tennis as a child. More specifically, the coach may not have ben energetic or fun. This is certainly not the case at Midtown!
Carole: What would you say to these people to encourage them to try it (or try it again)?
Sean: It’s a great sport that you can play for your lifetime, and it will keep you physically and mentally healthy. Tennis is great to socialize with friends, significant others, and with your children. Here in Florida, you can play tennis in the fresh air, year round.
Carole: What are some tips that players can use to improve their tennis game?
Sean: I would suggest the following:
1.) Ensure your feet are in the correct position.
2.) Move your left arm at least parallel to the baseline when hitting the ball to ensure a good shoulder turn.
3.) Keep the ball deep in play. This will push the opponent back, most likely resulting in a weaker return.
Carole: Do you prefer to play singles or doubles?
Sean: As a competitive athlete, I definitely enjoy singles more because if I play badly or lose a match, I can’t blame anyone else but myself. I like the feeling of being independent when I’m on the court as a single player. I enjoy doubles when playing with friends, or if I am playing strictly for the social experience with friends and family.
As the Junior Developmental Coordinator at Midtown, Sean’s focus is on 10 and Under Tennis. He also works with our teen players who want to improve their skills. Have questions for Sean, or want to find out how your kids can get involved with tennis at Midtown? Give Sean a call at 954.384.2582 or leave your questions/comments here.
It’s that time of year when people begin to feel thankful and grateful. 
I am very thankful for our members who inspire me by living a healthy lifestyle. You make us a community, a family, and much more than just a gym. As the club’s Director of Special Events, I recently wrapped up a fundraising Spin-a-Thon for SIDES (Sydney’s Incredible Defeat of Ewing’s Sarcoma). Members and associates joined together raising over $20,000 in less than four weeks. The money will help a new 501(c)3 organization get off the ground. I am thankful to have a position that allows me to witness these types of actions every day at Midtown.
As we head into Thanksgiving week, I look forward to time with my family and friends. It is our goal to help make your holiday week a little less stressful and to help you stay on track by maintaining your fitness habits. Here is what we have going on this week.
Thanksgiving Day Group Ex Schedule
7-8 am: Cycle with Melissa
8-9am: Fit Dance with Manny
8:30-9:30am: Cycle with Beth
9-10am: Circuit Challenge with Christina
9am-10am: Aquafit with Pocho
9:45-10:45am: Cycle with Wendy
10am-11am: Pilates Yoga Fusion with Sol
It’s okay to be selfish when it comes to your health and give to yourself first so you can give to others even more. Make your personal fitness a priority each day to decrease stress and make for a happier holiday season.
Why not take the long weekend as an opportunity to try something new at the club? Play some tennis or do a bootcamp class with the family. Try a TRX or Crossfit class. Your body and overall health are worth the investment and your brain will thank you for mixing it up!
Finally, we encourage members to bring a toy for our Annual Toy Drive benefiting the Chris Evert Children’s Hospital. Drop it in one of our donation boxes and help bring smiles to many children this holiday season.
Thank you for your generous hearts and for being a member of Midtown Athletic Club.
What are you most grateful for this Thanksgiving?
