don's report archive

by Donald B. Ardell, Ph. D.

Wellness in the Headlines
(Don's Report to the World)

America is in the midst of an unprecedented epidemic of obesity, and officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called for sweeping policies to help get the fat off. In the last decade, there was an unprecedented 60 percent increase in the number of overweight Americans. Each year, 300,000 citizens die of causes related to obesity. Obesity, by the way, is defined as 30 percent above ideal body weight! Imagine that—30 percent! How many more are “only” 25 percent over ideal? I’m guessing that even ten percent over ideal is not so healthy!

Federal health officials are calling for the following initiatives in response to this epidemic:

• Weight counseling by doctors in all medical practices.
• Healthy food choices in workplace cafeterias.
• Opportunities for employees to exercise during the day.
• Retooled physical education programs in schools that inspire kids to make fitness a lifetime habit.
• More policies by urban decision makers to design alternatives to cars, such as bike paths.
• Less TV—parents should send kids outdoors to play more often.

At first blush, these strategies seem wise and long overdue. Who could or would possibly object? Certainly not a wellness promoter, such as yours truly. And yet, I do! Why? Because it’s all too little, too late

Take another look at these statistics. This is not an epidemic -- it’s a thermonuclear catastrophe! A little counseling here, some more food choices there, a bit of retooling, bike paths here and less TV there -- these band-aids are inconsequential in relation to the problems.

It’s simply astonishing that presidential candidates Gore and Bush (and the others unfairly locked out of the debates) are going on about more drugs for (fat) seniors, more medical benefits and more and more symptomatic treatment strategies. They are simply ignoring foundation remedies for a horrendous national scandal. Why? Because the voters do not want to hear the truth.

Fortunately for the Republic, I’m not running for president, so let me say what they won’t: Vastly more citizens must begin to take responsibility for their health. Our obesity and related health care crises are largely self-inflicted problems! Shape up, America -- it’s your patriotic duty not to be an unnecessary burden on the economy. Furthermore, if you do the right thing for America, you will he happier and more effective personally. So, please, ask not what Gore or Bush or other federal officials will do for you, ask what you will do for yourself.

What do you think? Am I being too hard on my beloved fellow and sister Americans?

(Note: This essay will be filed in the archives in the PHYSICAL DOMAIN under the skill area of lifestyle habits. Additional articles related to this theme may be found there.)

(Ed. Note: Views expressed in this and other columns are those of the author and not necessarily those of the SeekWellness Editorial Board.)

 Send e-mail to Don Ardell