Happy Meals

According to a recent report, Americans are not only fat, but they are getting fatter. The report, done by the Trust for America’s Health found that adult obesity increased in 23 states and did not decrease in a single state during the past year. Also, the report stated that childhood obesity is now at or above 30% in 30 states.

The highest rate of obesity was found in Mississippi, with a rate of 32.5 percent for adults (and an astounding 44.4 percent rate of child obesity). Three other states join Mississippi as having obesity rates over 30 percent: Alabama at 31.2 percent, West Virginia at 31.1 percent and Tennessee at 30.2 percent. Interestingly, 8 of the 10 top states with highest adult obesity are located in the South; where as the northern state of Colorado has the lowest rate at 18.9 percent. This is the fifth year in a row where Mississippi ranked the highest for adult obesity rates.

The fact that Americans are getting fatter is a concern for the healthcare industry because with obesity comes disease and illness and higher health insurance premiums. Despite the increase in nutritional standards from four to 19 states in public schools within the past five years, it is evident that the obesity epidemic is still flourishing. More has to be done by government, families, parents and individuals in order to promote healthy eating and life-styles, exercise and appropriate nutrition.

Beginning July 1, a new law in South Dakota will expand the South Dakota High Risk Pool to children with preexisting conditions that may not be able to get coverage any other way.

The law will help to cover approximately 455 children that are under the age of 19 who are considered medically uninsurable.  Governor Mike Rounds explains that “Every child in South Dakota should have health insurance, and now every child can. The South Dakota High Risk Pool will begin taking applications today for children who have been without health care coverage.”

The open enrollment period is from July 1 through August 29 and allows any child who has been without health insurance coverage for 12 months or longer can enroll without a pre-existing condition waiting period. Other requirements include:

Younger than 19
U.S. citizens
South Dakota residents

Monthly premiums range from $125 to $240 a month for children who qualify for the South Dakota Risk Pool. Deductibles range from $1,000 to $10,000 a year.

Though 455 children does not seem like a lot, especially compared to the 200,000 uninsured children in the state of South Dakota, but it’s a start and South Dakota is definitely making a positive stand for uninsured children.

The common belief that exercise increases metabolism is untrue. Since exercise does not increase the body’s ability to burn fat after a workout, there must be more to weight loss than regular exercise. Caloric intake, taken from food eaten throughout the day holds just as much importance in losing and maintaining a healthy weight as does exercise.

A person who replaces the calories they burn while exercising by eating more is in all truth no better off than someone who did not exercise, at least in regard to weight loss. Exercise does not lead to the burning of excess calories after a workout. However, some experts still suggest that longer and harder workouts combined with a greater variety of exercise can lead to a better post-workout fat burn.

However, the #1 secret to weight loss comes down to simple math: a person has to burn more calories than they intake to loss weight. In order to loss a pound a pound of fat, a person has to lose 3,500 calories, whether by exercise, diet or both. For example, by reducing caloric intake by 500 calories a day through exercise or diet, a person can lose a pound a week. Once weight does come off it is a matter of maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating well and exercising regularly. Of course, some people may require more exercise than others in order to keep the weight off.

When the air gets cold, all you usually want to do is stay inside and curl up by the fireplace right? Well studies have shown that in the winter, when our bodies want to conserve energy as heat, we tend to eat a little more and become less active. This can leave you feeling tired and lethargic. Instead of hibernating, there are plenty of other things you can do with your time to both stay active and healthy.

Winter is the only time you get to enjoy the snow and the sports that are only possible with snow, unless you live in the Arctic.

Downhill Skiing. There are plenty of resorts throughout the U.S. where you can practice your skiing techniques. If you’re new to the sport, many of these sports offer lessons and camps.

Cross-country Skiing. As opposed to downhill skiing, cross country skiing is for skiers who enjoy travelling longer distances and climbing hills. Because of the difference in the skis used, any flat or near flat snowy surface can work.

Snowboarding. This sport has become more and more popular through the years. It is the “surfing” of winter. Like downhill skiing, many resorts offer both the equipment and lessons to snowboard. Snowboarding is definitely easier and more familiar to those who have surfed or skateboarded before.

Ice-skating. Whether you’re at your local rink, or a nearby pond, ice skating can be fun for the whole family.  Ice skating can burn up to 500 calories an hour and it sure doesn’t feel like working out at the gym.

As with all sports, it’s important to stay safe. Proper safety gear can be found at your local sporting goods store such as knee and elbow pads, helmets, and wrist guards. Also, stay warm. Layering clothing works best and winter clothing can usually be found at your sporting goods store as well. And don’t forget sunscreen. It may be cold outside and you may not be in your bathing suit, but snow acts as a reflecting agent and can intensify the sun rays on your skin.