November is National Diabetes Awareness Month and, unfortunately, the month-long, national health observance also brings with it some alarming statistics.
According to a report from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), three quarters of American adults are either obese or overweight. However, the worst news is that Kentucky was rated the No. 4 fattest state in America.
Kentucky had the fourth highest percentage of residents with diabetes and the second highest percentage of residents with high cholesterol.
Here are a few small changes that can help turn the “Fried-Tucky” stereotype around:
1. Drink more water
Drinking water helps your body burn more calories and improves body function as well.
2. Exercise
Burn more calories than you take in. Find something you like to do and invite a friend to join.
3. Balance the foods you enjoy versus ones that are simply good for you
It’s important to have a healthy relationship with food and pass your good habits down to your kids.
4. Eliminate negativity
Negative thoughts, environments and people are all toxic to someone who is attempting to create a better life in terms of physical and mental health. Allowing these to remain in your life is almost like cancelling out other positive changes. Negativity can lead to high blood pressure, low self-esteem, unhealthy dependence on food and more.
So, Kentuckians have two options: They can look at the results and agree there’s a problem, but then continue to eat a diet high in fat, sodium and sugar. Or, they can start making small changes today that will have a huge impact down the road.
