healthandchange.com

Rfdf S asked:


so tomorrow im starting a new “lifestyle” change, not really a diet.

but which one is a better choice?

south beach diet - basically fish,chicken,turkey, veg,nuts, cheese, whole grains

OR

my “diet” - fish,chicken, fruit, veg, salads, cheese, whole grains

im 5′7.5 and weigh 148

Adrian

Bailey asked:


“By making obesity a disease, government does all Americans—large or not—a disservice.”
Obesity should not be labeled a disease, Sonia Arrison contends in the following viewpoint. She asserts that while obesity is becoming more prevalent in the United States, treating it as an illness instead of the result of poor dietary choices would unfairly harm healthy Americans. By calling obesity a disease, the condition could be treated using Medicare or Medicaid funds, which come from the taxpayer dollars of all Americans, fat or thin. Arrison concludes that individuals must be aware of the consequence of their overeating and realize that society will not pay for their higher health care costs. Arrison is the director of technology studies at the Pacific Research Institute, a public policy think tank that promotes free-market solutions.
[In March 2005] California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced his intentions to support a bill outlawing the sale of junk food in schools. Science shows the governor is right to worry about an obesity crisis, but banning candy in schools is like putting a Band-Aid on a third-degree burn.
According to the American Obesity Association, “approximately 127 million adults in the U.S. are overweight, 60 million obese, and 9 million severely obese.” That’s a huge number of people, and basic medicine predicts that their weight problems will turn into more serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, a number of cancers, gall bladder-disease, osteoarthritis and obstructive sleep apnea.
The Economics of Obesity
In short, people are eating themselves to death. While consequences are dire for each obese individual, what many don’t realize is that their choices also harm the part of America that remains healthy. The most obvious impact is the economic strain. Numbers provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that obesity costs Americans a ton.
For instance, in 1998, medical expenses due to obesity accounted for 9.1 percent of total U.S. medical expenditures and may have been as high as $78.5 billion. That’s a lot of cash, but the kicker is that approximately half of these costs were paid by Medicaid and Medicare—in other words, by taxpayers. There’s something disturbing about this situation, which could be described as socialized obesity. By sharing the health care costs with obese people, health-conscious Americans lose tax dollars and see health insurance premiums shoot up.
[In 2004] Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson designated obesity as a disease. But much of obesity is caused by poor nutrition and behavioral problems. By making obesity a disease, government does all Americans—large or not—a disservice. Many diseases hit individuals through no fault of their own, but obesity is in a different category.
Individual Responsibility
To ward off obesity, proper diet and exercise are necessary. Yet the socialization of the costs of the problem only makes it more likely that individuals will carry on with their destructive behavior. It’s not rocket science: Whatever is subsidized will grow. And by incentivizing individuals to ignore the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle, we all suffer a productivity hit when otherwise smart people die early due to obesity-related diseases. Dr. Bruce Ames, the eminent biochemist and inventor of the Ames test for carcinogens, has made longevity and diet one of his key areas of study. His conclusions show that in order to live longer, individuals must maintain a good diet, including the proper amount of vitamins and antioxidants. This advice might seem a no-brainer, but it is easy to ignore in a society where junk food marketing is everywhere and the costs of individual overeating are distributed amongst everyone.
The best way to help mitigate the onslaught of obesity is to make sure that individuals are aware that the costs of their behavior will be borne by them. That is, if they choose to eat potato chips and sit in front of the television night after night, instead of eating fruits and vegetables and exercising, then they should not expect society to help them pay the higher costs of health insurance.
Perhaps this is a cultural issue as much as a political one, which brings the discussion back to Governor Schwarzenegger’s quest to ban junk food in schools. The idea of educating the population about the risks associated with empty calories, such as those found in soda, is a good one. And in a publicly-run system where government is supposed to be responsible for the well being of children, perhaps it makes sense. But there is a larger issue.
While schools should educate children about nutrition and a healthy diet, ultimately, kids will have to make their own decisions. So the lesson is also one of individual responsibility. That’s how a free and healthy society operates.

Jayden

Caffeine Fiend asked:


Don’t get me wrong, I have no beef with vegetarians (no pun intended, ok, maybe a bit of one) but I really feel I need to know and understand the rationale - why is there a national vegetarian week?

This isn’t just about the fact I wont be able to get meat in my work canteen next week, cos I dont mind vegetarian food, but its the principle - I dont see why they need a week. Why not have a “eat healthy week” or “eat more fruit and veg week” and if those weeks already exist, have another! After all, I think it is fair to say that there is enough scineitific evidence both for and against the vegetarian diet to not make it a clear cut better lifestyle…

I know I am making a mountain out of a molehill, but I do sort of feel its at best, unenecessary and at worst, a bit offensive to dictate diet and lifestyle types as nominated “national” weeks.

I just think, for better or worse, personal choices should remain personal choices and don’t need official ramification or condemnation.
The people who are writing this up to a deep seated resentment of vegetarians are both misguided and missing the point.

However, the person who pointed out that its a company sponsored event gave me a bit of an answer, and fed my inner cynic. Glorified advertising and clever marketing of their own products no doubt.

Ah capitalism, you are a sly beast!

Jack

rbrumbaugh22 asked:


I am trying to find out some information regarding this profession. They offer this program at a community college near me and I quite don’t understand everything about it. I thought becoming a dietician assistant/nutritional assistant dealt with mainly coaching people about the choices they make regarding the foods they eat, and explaining to them about ingredients in foods they eat as well? I did not think that this profession dealt with preparing and cooking foods like a dietary aide would do in a hospital or nursing home? I thought this job was about coaching and giving choices to people who want to change the way they eat or live their life, and living a healthier lifestyle? Can anyone help me with them one before I make a decision to go through with this? Thank you for all who try to help me with this.

Devin

Hurting_Mother asked:


I lived the swinging lifestyle for years 8 to be exacting LIFESTYLE, and now am paying the consequences for the decisions of bad ideas!

My marriage to husband who swung with me is OVER because I wont join him again because my children protested so much that it became public knolegedge on what we did.

looking back now all I can do to justify my actions is say It was my right of choice!

I really don’t understand it either because looking back The orgasim were induced by my EGO, feeding nothing else!

Why do people who find this lifestyle so applealing including me?
Why did I do this to my family who now stands ASHMED of me?

Why do everyone say it alterintive to monagmoy, when infact it very unhealthy?

Do you know anyone who swung or is swinging would you inform them what it cost you or them?

This LIFESTYLE LOST ME MY CHILDREN, why?
This lifestyle is NOT DESEASE FREE EITHER even with papers in hand I still got seval STD’s, healthy, sad but true?
GET REAL!
It was my 2nd marriage that produced these emotions not my first even though I did cheat on husband when I knew are marriage was over!
Their all normal, thank god!

Jordan

Pequeña Traviesa ™ asked:


PUPPIES AS CHRISTMAS PRESENTS?

by Lexiann Grant
Email: lexiann@frognet.net
Copyright© 1999

The following article has been provided by the above author. All copy rights are held by the author and any reproduction of this material in whole or in part must have the authors approval.

“Accepting deposits now for Christmas puppies,” classified advertisements read at this time of year. Are you considering getting a dog for Christmas or thinking about giving someone else a puppy as a present? Do pets make good Christmas gifts?

“Puppies just don’t make good presents because they need so much attention and care,” said Candy Roberts, Humane Officer at the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley.

Puppies require constant attention and supervision when you first bring them home. They must be fed three to four times daily. Housetraining must start immediately and is a time-consuming process. Puppies usually need to go out every time they eat, drink, play or wake up from a nap, including the sleepiest hours of these cold, winter nights.

During the holiday season people are so busy that they don’t have the time it takes to fulfill a new pup’s ’round the clock demands. It’s unfair to bring a young dog into the chaos of holiday celebrations and ignore their needs.

“Christmas is not a good time to introduce a new animal into a household. It is best done later, when things are calmer and there’s more time to help the puppy adjust to their new surroundings,” said Daneen Pacifico, board member of the Humane Society of Parkersburg, West Virginia.

With all the activity during this season, it’s possible that the puppy may be frightened or distressed. A new pet may also be upset by the stressful emotions of the humans around them. A stressed pet, particularly an energetic and playful pup who is left unsupervised, is more likely to get into trouble.

The rich fare served during the holidays can irresistibly tempt a constantly-hungry pup to steal and devour these goodies from the table or garbage. Another temptation is to hand feed a new puppy tidbits as a special meal. Having access to spicy, fatty or excessively-sweet Christmas foods is a recipe for having a sick puppy.

Other Christmas dangers for new pets include their investigations of shiny decorations with wonderfully strange odors. Most puppies explore by mouthing objects that interest them. If a pup chews on decorative lights, extension cords, glass ornaments, tinsel or leaves from seasonal plants, they could become injured, seriously ill or even die. A dead puppy is not a good Christmas present.

What about additional health considerations of Christmas puppies? Were the sire and dam healthy? How about further back in the pedigree — are there any genetic illnesses — did the breeder spend the time and money to check?

Puppies advertised as Christmas presents have most often been bred to bring their owner extra cash for the holidays. Since breeding a healthy litter costs more than can be recovered in sales, these so-called breeders may have cut corners by withholding important veterinary and nutritional care to the pups.

Also, was the litter an accident? Most reputable breeders do not have litters available during the holidays because puppies that are given as presents seldom remain in their first home. Some of these puppies end up at animal shelters, where parents may bring their children in at the last minute to pick a pet as a Christmas present.

“They don’t need or really want a dog when it gets that close. It’s a last minute thing then. Getting a pet isn’t a spur of the moment decision,” said Roberts.

Prospective owners need time to prepare for the family’s new addition. The purchase of a puppy should be part of a well-researched, thorough and forward-looking plan.

“A puppy is not something that looks cute and is taken on a whim, then after a short time is returned to the shelter. We close the shelter to the public the day before Christmas to try and prevent adoptions made on a whim. These are living creatures that deserve a huge commitment. To do that someone must be ready to take on this big responsibility.” said Pacifico.

Roberts said, “After the excitement is over, many kids get tired of taking care of a puppy and the parents won’t do it because they’re too busy. So, about half of our puppies that are adopted during the holiday season end up being brought back to the shelter. Pets aren’t like toys. When you get bored with them you can’t throw them away and get a different ‘toy.’ If you do that with a dog, it hurts them.”

There are more reasons for never giving an animal as a present. Selecting a pet is a personal choice, not something one individual can do for another. What if the receiver doesn’t want the puppy? Do the kids and the new dog get along? This should be determined in advance of permanently acquiring a pet.

“We advocate that if a person wants a puppy, they should choose the pet themselves so that it is compatible with their lifestyle. They must want it, agree to accept responsibility for it and be willing to provide care for the animal,” said Pacifico.

If the decision to get or give a puppy as a present has definitely been made - hopefully with much forethought - breeders and humane officers make the following recommendations. Give a gift certificate, a stuffed animal or pet-care items at Christmas. Wait to bring the new pup home until after the holidays are finished and people’s homes and schedules are less hectic. The right puppy will be worth the wait.

More people buy puppies as presents than other types of pets, but animals such as kittens, ferrets, birds and reptiles should also not be given during the holidays for the same reasons.

The commitment to a newly acquired pet must last the lifetime of that animal, not just on Christmas Day. So before deciding to give a puppy - or any other animal - as a gift remember: Pets Are Forever.
I’m just so tired of seeing people - mostly kids - post questions on here on how to convince others to buy them a puppy as an X-mas gift. Poor Puppies.
http://cyberpet.com/cyberdog/articles/lexi/cmgifts.htm

Brian

One X asked:


seriously i see so many people answer and ask questions in this section that insults our lifestyle so tell me why
i know some vegetarians/vegans will shove their lifestyles in your face and if they do then feel free to insult them, but not all of us do that
i never ask, or try to get anyone else to become a veggie
i believe its your choice, but if you do theirs no reason to even look in this section cause most of you cant help
its our choice and as for as im concerned we’re goin to be healthier then meat eaters anyway

so tell me why people insist on trying to bring us down
griffyn: i understand where your coming from and its people like the vegan you know that gives us all a bad name
ukantspel: no im not shoving my lifestyle in anyones face im telling my opinion, theres a difference

Isabella

Daniel L asked:


1. Which of the following most accurately defines good health today?
A. The ability to recover from an illness

B. The ability to endure a 30-minute workout

C. The absence of disease

D. Complete physical, mental, and emotional well-being

2. Which of the following is important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle?
A. Getting less than six hours of sleep a night

B. Developing muscular bulk

C. Monitoring your diet

D. Exercising at least three hours each day

3. Which of the following is good for your health?
A. Smoking

B. Positive behavioral change

C. Substance abuse

D. Eating fatty foods

4. Which of these factors is most important in your fitness program?
A. Consistency

B. Joining a health club

C. Doing stretching exercises

D. Using mirrors in your exercise program

Devin

mistyerious asked:


I am 5′10″ and weigh 168 pounds. I have tried diets ranging from slim-fast to atkins. Then I have come to the realization that it’s about lifestyle change since I can’t stick to anything in particular. I need advice….the way I’m currently eating seems to be helping and I have started working out 6 days a week for about 30 minutes a day. One of my co-workers doesn’t seem to think I’m consuming enough calories and acts overly concerned. Here is a sample menu:
Breakfast - 2 lowfat banana nut muffins w/coffee
Snack - Yoplait Light Yogurt
Lunch - Ham, Turkey, or Roasted Chicken on whitewheat bread with miracle whip, lettuce and tomato
Baked Lays Chips
Snack - Small apple or grapes
Dinner: For dinner, I always try to have a variety so that I don’t get bored. If I’m tired, I’ll just heat up a lean cuisine or healthy choice w/added veggies . When I cook, I try to bake vs. fry my food and always add fresh veggies/salad to each meal.
Any opinions on what I may need additionally?

Samantha

Emilia asked:


I am currently 15. I have been vegetarian since I was 11. I cook all my own meals (which are usually with beans mmmmm….) anyway, some people find it strange for me to be vegetarian. It doesn’t upset me when people say negative things, I’m old enough so that it can go in one ear and out the other. I am proud of my lifestyle choice and I am pretty healthy. By the way, if any meat eaters come to insult those of us who graze on veggies, you are very sad if you must insult people you know nothing about.

Jack