Yes, more of the same stuff but it sounds like more states need JP's to help lead the charge!
Epidemic proportions Obesity a hefty problem
for Maine's adults, kids
Tuesday, September 6, 2005
http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.co.../1933294.shtml
National and state media recently highlighted the continued expansion of
the obesity epidemic, noting Maine's adult obesity rates to be the worst
in New England. Indeed, in Maine, as well as across the country, almost
two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese.
The effect on our youth is even more concerning. More than one-third of
Maine kindergartners are at an unhealthy weight. As a result, our youth
might be the first generation in America to not live as long as its
parents.
More adults and youth are suffering from obesity-associated illnesses or
diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease and stroke. Every
facet of our society must act now to reverse these alarming trends and
reduce Maine's high rates of costly, often-preventable chronic
illnesses.
Part of the Dirigo Health Initiative is the creation of a State Health
Plan to give us a road map of how we can become the healthiest state in
the nation. The continued expansion of this epidemic points out the need
for such a plan.
Why are we faced with an obesity epidemic?
It is important to understand this epidemic was a century in the making.
One-hundred years ago, our Maine ancestors farmed, lumbered and
performed daily routines that required strenuous physical labor.
Communities were built for walking. Milk, water, fish and fresh produce
graced kitchen tables.
Now, most of us sit for most or almost all of our waking hours.
Communities are built for cars. High-calorie foods and sweetened
beverages are readily available, and often at lower cost than healthier
options. Obesity has thus been built into the fabric of our society.
What is being done to reverse this epidemic?
We are fortunate in Maine to be on the cutting edge of preventing
obesity, with a wide variety of public and private organizations and
people working together to address the epidemic. For instance, the state
is one the few to spend any of our tobacco settlement money on efforts
to treat, reduce and prevent obesity. Some of these dollars fund the
Healthy Maine Partnerships, which address tobacco, physical inactivity
and poor nutrition in communities and schools.
As a result of these Healthy Maine Partnerships, faith-based communities
and social groups are making sure they offer healthy choices when
serving food and beverages; employers are assuring access to work break
walking groups, healthy food choices and work-site weight loss programs;
planning boards are improving the walkability of communities; and
schools are helping to assure that our youth are eating better and are
physically active.
The Maine Center for Public Health and the Harvard School of Public
Health have joined hands to form the Maine-Harvard Prevention Research
Center to address issues related to youth obesity. As part of the
initiative, pediatricians and other primary-care providers have stepped
forward, forming the Maine Youth Overweight Collaborative. Together,
they are learning from national experts and one another how to help
youth and their families live healthier lifestyles.
A number of state agencies, including the departments of Agriculture,
Education, Transportation and Health and Human Services provide a
variety of resources for these efforts and others. The Maine Legislature
and Gov. John E. Baldacci recently enacted legislation that sets forth
nutrition standards for items sold in school vending machines.
What can each of us do?
Since about two-thirds of us find it an uphill climb to get to a healthy
weight and then maintain it, it is important we assure that all Mainers
have better access to healthy food choices and physical activity. For
instance, do our faith communities and social organizations serve
healthy foods and beverages? Do our work sites support healthy food
choices and breaks for physical activity? Are our planning boards making
walkability a priority? Do our schools help assure our youth are
physically active and eating healthily?
And, finally, are we all trying to get at least 30 minutes of physical
activity most days, eating at least five servings of fresh fruits and
vegetables daily and reducing our portions of high-calorie foods and
sweetened beverages?
It will take time to rebuild health into our society. However, with the
health of our entire society at stake, we do not have 100 years to
reverse this epidemic. If you have ideas to share on how to make Maine
the healthiest state in the nation, please join the Governor's Office
Health Care Listening Tour, scheduled for Sept. 8-15
(
http://www.maine.gov/governor/baldac...ws/8_18_05.htm).
And, if you want to help your community become healthier, team up with
your local Healthy Maine Partnership
(
http://www.healthymainepartnerships.org/).
Maine's people, families, communities, employers, health-care providers
and government have a long track record of pulling together and making
the state healthier, from dramatically reducing teen pregnancy and
infant mortality to halving youth smoking.
With each of us doing our part to address obesity, Maine's people should
improve their chances of enjoying longer, healthier lives.
Dr. Dora Anne Mills is the public health director for the Maine
Department of Health and Human Services. Lynne Rothney-Kozlak is
president and chief executive officer of the Maine Center for Public
Health in Augusta.
Copyright (c) 2005 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.
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