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:

• The prevalence of obesity-related diseases has risen sharply over the past thirty years, and the number of fast food restaurants in America has more than doubled over the same period (The National Bureau of Economic Research).
• Studies have shown that “consumption of fast food among children in the US seems to have an adverse effect on dietary quality in ways that plausibly could increase risk for obesity.”
• Studies have shown that increased proximity to fast food restaurants is linked to an increase in obesity.

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:

• The New York Times recently reported that studies have shown that “there is no relationship between the type of food being sold in a neighborhood and obesity among its children and adolescents.”
• Restrictive “diets” and the “diet mentality” in general do not lead to long-term effective weight-loss. What does work, according to a recent study by the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, is eating less fat, exercising more, using prescription weight loss medications, or participating in commercial weight loss programs.
• Calling for removal of fast food from hospitals sends the message that fast food restaurants are “bad” and can be blamed for obesity, lessening personal responsibility for our own health.

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?

The holidays are in full swing. Between shopping, wrapping, hosting parties, attending parties, visiting Santa, making snowmen, cooking, AND baking; you just might be at your boiling point! 

And it’s not just annoying or painful.  Too much stress can be dangerous.  Stress contributes to high-blood pressure, heart disease, poor habits and a lowered immunity.

Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Here are the top 5 ways to reduce your stress level throughout the holidays here at the Club.  

1. Friday Night Family Swim

Bring your kiddos to our pool any Friday night from 6-8pm and they can swim, splash, and just go water-crazy.  It’s a great way for you to relax while they have fun.  They will be exhausted when you go home, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll get the rest of the night to yourself while the children are nestled all snug in their beds.  Ah, peace and quiet. 

2. Take a Yoga Class

Yoga reduces stress and tension.  When your shoulder or neck starts to hurt, it’s more than likely due to worry and pressure that has built up inside you.  One of the ancient yogis’ most profound insights was the link between breathing patterns and state of mind.  In yoga, the goal is to slow down the breath, primarily by breathing through your nose.  We currently have nine yoga classes per week at various levels.  Check out our website for our full schedule.

3. Get a Massage

When we are stressed we tend to tense up the muscles in our body; our shoulders, neck, and jaw are the biggest culprits.  Massage can help relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles and helps release endorphins . 

Even better, through December 31, 2011, if you purchase any combination of spa services of $60 or more, you’ll receive a voucher for up to $20 towards your next spa service.  How cool is that?

4. Kick it Out in Mixed Martial Arts

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), a full-body contact sport that provides a great way to hit and kick my aggression out!  And hey, certified personal trainer Rick Guzaski doesn’t mind.  He runs weekly MMA sessions, so contact him at rick.guzaski@midtown.com to see when you can kick him next!

5. Pedal Through a Cycle Class

Sure, any form of exercise is a stress reliever but cycling in particular can be better than some others.  The repetitive action of pedaling involved in cycling can help your brain release outside stresses in the same way that mediating on a phrase or a word is used in classical mediation.  

By focusing on your pedal stoke you can block out other worries and stresses of the day, giving your brain a break from your daily problems.  And with the upbeat music and encouragement from our instructors, it gives you all the more reason to try out a class.

Let the relaxation begin.  What’s your favorite way to reduce stress during the holidays?