Travel Fit

Is Media Causing Health Confusion?

There are 72 million obese American citizens, a fact The U.S. Center for Disease Control attributes to Americans who eat too much, gain too much, then look for a quick fix to solve their problem. The Internet and increased interest in health and nutrition have made Americans are more conscious of their diet and of the nutritional value of the foods we eat. Confusion stems from the mixed messages we receive from our media, non-stop ad campaigns by fast food retailers (over $1 billion was spent last year) and unhealthy lifestyle choices.

We are constantly told that certain foods are bad for us, then not told what to substitute, how to eat a proper portion size and how to enjoy food, viewing it as a fuel instead of empty calories. Everyone seems to be in such a hurry, that many people don’t make health and physical activity a priority — how our body’s health became a luxury item most Americans feel they can’t afford, I don’t know. And it saddens me.

But here you are, doing something about it — good job! One step at a time, let’s get healthy together! Do one thing healthy for yourself today. Just one – eat an apple, walk one extra flight of stairs, get up for your computer right now and spend a few minutes stretching. We are on our on way!