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Happy New Year!

Posted by North Shore Health Department on Jan. 8, 2009

Diabetes, Healthy Lifestyles, Heart Health

The start of another new year usually brings a sense of hope, promise, and resolve to "Have a Happy New Year".  It is probably safe to say that health status could have a significant impact on one's level of happiness.  And it is important to recognize that health status is not determined by genetics alone.  The lifestyle choices of everyday life are just as important as genetics in determining health status.

Frankly, the numbers are getting frightening.  Twenty-four million Americans have diabetes.  One out of four people aged 60 or older has the disease.  Another 57 million people, 40% of those aged 40 to 70, have pre-diabetes.  And now teenagers and children are being diagnosed with diabetes.  When are Americans going to get the message that they can actually prevent diabetes and other chronic diseases?  At the very least, progression can be slowed and complications minimized which would improve quality of life.  And who doesn't want to have a nice, healthy life?  It is a worthy goal and although it takes some effort, it need not be too difficult.

So, what's a person to do?  Very simply, weight management and physical activity are key elements of a healthy life.  Being overweight and sedentary increases the risk of many diseases and health conditions.  In Wisconsin, 2 of 3 adults are overweight or obese.  Even a small weight loss can make a difference.  Small changes made over time will be more likely to become part of your daily routine.  Gradually include better nutrition and more activity into your life.  In time, you will probably wonder why you waited so long! 

So let 2009 be the year you actually take charge of your health and your future.  Do not underestimate the importance of making healthy choices in daily life.  Resolve to make the changes you know should be made.  Resolve to improve your health and your family's health.  Think of lifestyle changes as an investment in your future and recognize that you and your family are worth it!

There is so much information out there about healthy living that it is hard to choose.  But for starters, check out the following websites.  They all have many very good links.

http://cdc.gov/HealthyLiving/         http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/health/physicalactivity/ToolCalcs.htm        http://www.shapeup.org/shape/index_shape.php    

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200009        http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/ped_3.asp?sitearea=PED