More on Obesity

I found this write up in EURWEB. According to findings released last week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 25.6 percent of the nation’s Blacks, whites and Hispanics are obese - significantly overweight. However, Blacks are the most obese while whites are the least. The findings are derived from a CDC analysis of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) surveys conducted during the three-year period from 2006 to 2008. The analysis found that 35.7 percent of African Americans are obese compared to 28.7 percent of Hispanics and 23.7 percent of whites. Black women were the most likely to be obese. We are just too busy to look out for our health! Ladies, you just don't know how much you are loved!

The Birth Certificate Problem

This excerpt was on the internet this morning. "Despite the seemingly incontrovertible evidence, the issue shows no sign of disappearing off the radar of right-wing radio talkshow hosts and others who say the birth certificate is a forgery to hide the fact that Obama is foreign-born." You see regardless whether the birth certificate is now seen, "birthers" will still think it's a fake. You just can't please some people, no matter how hard you try. Their hearts are harden. Go to FactCheck.org for the source. You can't help but ask: How do you prove something to people who come to the facts believing, out of fear or hatred or maybe just for political purposes, that they're being tricked? Like I said in a previous entry, gullible.

Stroking the Hate Machinery

There are some media networks that are literally provoking the hate machine. They want this country to divide. And if it does, they have a president to blame. They will have a problem though, it will backfire! When you dig a grave for your enemy, dig two! You will be buried in the other! You would be surprised how many people believe something if it’s on email, the news or in the newspapers. Many people don’t see the biasness. Learn to rationalize and do more research than simply taking someone at their word. We normally get two opinions from doctors if we think we’re sick. We are so gullible. We are being led to the slaughterhouse and we are going willingly. Those folks in the media know what they are doing! Crap sells! It makes for more viewers and dollars. It doesn’t matter what element is attracted as long as the viewership increases! Yet, so many people profess they are Christians! So much for being Christ-like! Some people like to call themselves that and think their fooling somebody. Christ recognized Satan immediately! We as a people got some issues we need to resolve within ourselves. We all want to go to heaven but we’re asking the devil for directions!

We'll "Break Him"

Read the news lately? I don’t know about you but all I see is negativity. The worse bitterness is directed at our new President. Everyone don’t agree with his political agenda. That’s their prerogative. But, is that really the problem? I have never seen so much hate and hostility towards one man and his family since I don’t know when. Do you think that the powers-that-be (the movers & shakers of this country) would actually endorse a foreigner for President of the United States? Why are people still questioning his citizenship? John McCain was born in the Panama Canal Zone and there was hardly a ripple. Everyday in just about any article not even related to the administration does someone blog negatively of the president or his family. Somehow the administration was worked in a whale story. Some of these naysayers are using the guise of dissatisfaction of the economy to express their hatred. They are cowards! Be man enough to stand up and say I don’t like Obama because he’s black! Yes, America has progressed but look at some of the statements written and said. They are disgusting and shameful. Some folks are still judging you by the color of your skin. One congressman simply stated “We will break him.” That’s almost an excerpt from Willie Lynch’s letter, The Making of a Slave. Willie Lynch compared breaking slaves to breaking horses. Breaking a person to me, is one of the worse forms of reminding a certain group of people where their place is.

Left Behind

A pro boxer was killed in Atlanta over his possessions, he was 38. He was shot in the back. One of my lunch partners lost her best friend due to an illness, she was 40. Someone else lost their grandparent, 92. E. Lynn Harris, a famous author passed over the weekend, 54 due to illness. There are so many more that we will never know about. Some died at home and some away from home. Some are newsworthy and some are not. But one thing that’s certain, they are all important. This can be addressed on so many levels, but I want to look at only one, the friends and family that are left behind. Grief is never pleasant. We all know we won’t live forever and that tomorrow is not guaranteed, but there are people left behind that will truly miss us. All of us have our own way of coping. Some people are sick right now but still smile. Some are stressing because they know someone is leaving soon. Be respectful of each other. We never know what that person is going through.

Pass the Love to Your Children

This generation of children is faced with hypertension, diabetes, and other problems brought on by obesity and being overweight. Those of you who are blessed with children should do your utmost to pay attention to what they are doing with their lives. There are so many distractions these kids are faced with and they need your help. They don’t know how to tell you or expect you parents to understand! Some of you have got to win back your children. Somehow convince them that parenting is necessary for the child's own good. They'll rebel, we did too! We knew that they were not our friends but they taught us respect and accountability! Lead by example and get involved in your childrens' lives! They need you now more than ever! Show them the love you received when you were their age! That does include corrective discipline. (smile)

Remembering Our Childhood

When we were children, we couldn’t play in the house. We didn’t have the benefits of computers, cell phones, Gameboys, Nintendos and the like. You got 3 or 4 channels on the TV and that was it. Modern technology as we know it now, was probably at the beginning stages. But then again, we didn’t care! We also didn’t live in those big houses with huge rooms. We played outside and had a great time! We just had to be in the house or our own yard before the sun went down. Anytime, after was a mind-jarring and painful experience. We didn’t sass or talk back to our parents and we only had two chances to answer them when they called. The first time you might not have heard them, the second time you did. If you didn’t obey then, let’s just say “A spare rod spoils the child.” These children couldn’t handle what we had to go through. Then again, this generation is faced with a different set of problems than we had. These modern conveniences can be a benefit and a detriment to a child’s growth and appreciation. I’m going off on a tangent. What I want to say is children are not exercising anymore like they used to. In school, during, recess, we played, we had gym class. We played at home, in our yard, in other people’s yards, in the streets, and in the park. We had physical workouts and we ate balanced meals! It was safer then because neighbors and almost everyone else seemed to care what the children did. Now, it’s dangerous for children to play outside even in their own yards!

The Cop, The Professor, and the President

I know, I was supposed to talk about our children exercising but this mess came up recently regarding a black professor and a white policeman being called to the professor’s residence about a possible break-in. I want address this briefly and my next submission will be on the young ones. A neighbor called the policeman because it seemed that someone was breaking into her neighbor’s home. I want go into the details, I’m sure most of you are aware of the situation esp., since the President gave his opinion. Once again, we are like lambs led to the slaughter by the media. We haven’t enough sense to see what’s going on. We believe everything we read even if it’s only half of the truth. Yes, the President did say, ”The police acted stupidly after they realized that Gates was the owner of the house.” The media saw an opportunity and used only “acted stupidly” to generate more unrest and tension among the American people. Bad news sell and the media is all about selling! We are “acting stupidly” by allowing this kind of mind control to take over our will to be tolerant towards each other. The media is very aware of racial tensions and there are many of us unwilling to have a dialogue to discuss it. It’s a lot easier to blog than to talk face-to-face. There are pockets out here that do not want racial equality or peaceful coexistence. Let’s face it. Read the blogs, look at the news, talk to your neighbors, you will find that the more we progress, the more we become afraid. And until you walk for a while in another person’s shoes, you will never know what they had to walk through to get where they are. Obviously, many of us are unwilling to change. But many more of us are disgusted at the hatred and dislike for others that are still prevalent.

New Attitude

Let’s be realistic! It took time to put those extra pounds on us, so it will take time for it to come off! Some of us like to eat, so we need to back off, develop a new lifestyle which will include eating the proper foods, rest, and exercise. We must commit to these new changes and be patient. It may take a while for the change to come but we can feel it on the inside before we the changes on the outside. Some of us eat too much because of nervousness, boredom, low self-esteem, glandular problems or for various reason. These problems may require medical help. In fact, when we begin our new change, it wouldn’t hurt to let our doctor know. But we must begin the change with a new attitude. Regardless of what people think about our outside, we have got to feel good about ourselves inside! Take your time and don't over do it! We don't want to use adiet program without the doctor's advice. And we definitely don't want to hurt ourselves with these quick and easy weight-off-in-weeks plans! Take it slow, commit and dedicate! See yourself in the future looking good! Don't worry! I got something to say about the children next!

Developing a Healthy Habit

Our environment doesn’t always help with healthy lifestyle habits; it can encourage obesity. Some reasons are:

• Lack of neighborhood sidewalks and safe places for recreation. Not having area parks, trails, sidewalks, and affordable gyms makes it hard for people to be physically active.
• Work schedules. People often say that they don’t have time to be physically active given the long hours at work and the time spent commuting back and forth to work. We could find the time, if available and safe, walk at work.
• We like oversized meals. Americans are surrounded by huge food portions in restaurants, fast food places, gas stations, movie theaters, supermarkets, and even home. Some of these meals and snacks can feed two or more people. Over time, this will cause weight gain if it isn’t balanced with physical activity.
• Lack of access to healthy foods. Some people don’t live in neighborhoods that have supermarkets that sell healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Or if they do, these items are often too costly.
• Food advertising. We are surrounded by ads from food companies. Most of the time children are the targets of advertising for high-calorie, high-fat snacks and sugary drinks. The goal of these ads is to sway people to buy these high-calorie foods, and often wedo. Then we think the kids got problems. We helped to get them started.

We Can Do It

Our weight is a result of many factors. These factors include environment, family history and genetics, metabolism, behavior or habits, and other factors. We can’t change our family history. But, other things—like our lifestyle habits—can be changed!

Obesity

Millions of Americans and people worldwide are overweight or obese. Being overweight or obese puts us at risk for many diseases and conditions. The more body fat that we carry around and the more we weigh, the more likely we are to develop heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problems, and certain cancers.

BMIs

The National Center for Health (NCH) has also been tracking America’s obesity problem for more than four decades. Their findings given below support the growing obesity epidemic in America.
· Between 1962 and 2000, the obese people grew from 13% to 31% of the population.
· 63% of Americans are overweight with a BMI in excess of 25.0.
· 31% are obese with a BMI in excess of 30.0.
· Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past two decades.
· Obesity is responsible for 300,000 deaths every year.

Overweight and Obesity

The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute states that “the terms “overweight” and “obesity” refer to a person’s overall body weight and where the extra weight comes from. Overweight is having extra body weight from muscle, bone, fat, and/or water. Obesity is having a high amount of extra body fat. The most useful measure of overweight and obesity is the body mass index (BMI). BMI is based on height and weight and is used for adults, children, and teens.”

Obesity Report

We’re going to start talking about obesity for a while. According to International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) Obesity/Weight Control Report, the obesity epidemic in America is growing day by day. According to these numbers, we in the USA got a big problem. Yes, we are getting bigger daily: 3.8 million people have weight over 300 pounds. Over 400,000 people carry over 400 pounds, and many among these are males. The average adult female in USA weighs 163 pounds!

Take Time

Have you ever stood outside on a beautiful day and just listened to the sounds of life? Did you take the time to hear the birds chirping and the wind rustling through the trees? There’s always that one bird that seems to chirp the loudest! In the distance, you can hear car horns, motorcycle motors and depending on where you are, a baby crying and children laughing. Those of you that have done this before know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, try it at least, once! I know we live in a society where we’re constantly busy working and don’t have time to enjoy the simple things in life. We don’t even notice that life is passing us by because we’re too busy working at living! Apparently, we do the same thing in our relationships. We’re too busy trying to make it perfect that we don’t realize we’re not either. Yep, what a tangled web we do weave! Try to make time for yourself and try to make time for the people in your life! You won't regret it.

Suicide Isn't Worth It

We have people wanting to give up their lives because someone doesn’t love them. We lose people who want to live when someone does love them! Life is already confusing, and yet we continue to confuse ourselves when we got enough problems as it is. Sometimes, I think we’re too smart for our own good.

Hardships and Memories

An old friend called me the other day. She told me how rough the first six months of this year was for her. She almost lost her sister due to diabetic problems, but did lose her boyfriend because of heart problems. Her sister survived, overcame her problems and is now developed a plan for living! Her boyfriend was 37 years old. This can be addressed on so many levels and I know you just don’t have the time to hear it! Life is so short but we still take everyday for granted! These two didn’t! She didn’t have not one regret about their time together! They loved each other deeply!

Make Payback a Success

Pay your exes back by proving you can do without them and do even better! Remember, you don’t have to worry about proving anything to them anymore! You are a gift from God! There is always somebody, somewhere, that appreciate good things! Hold your head up high and get your stuff together!

It's Not Over Because We Are Over

Let me repeat myself again regarding breakups! People, no matter how much you believe that you can’t live without the one you love, get on your knees and thank God for the blessing! You are still alive!! What is wrong with you!! There is never a cause for you to even think about taking your life, especially making someone that doesn’t love you, feel miserable! Besides, how would you know if you’re not around? To me, it doesn’t make sense! For all you know, that person might even be glad that you’re completely out of the picture! People are breaking up everyday!! Some have good reasons and some don’t need reasons at all! Get over it, get pass it, and move on! I discussed this in previous entries. It’s not worth the negative energy. I have heard this from a man earlier this week and a woman today. Look around you! Read the news, look at the boob tube, people you don’t expect to break up, do! We all want to feel special by the people we love but life is real and sorrow and hurt, as well as, joy comes and goes as long as we live! So, ladies and gentlemen, step up your game! Excel in your endeavors and make them regret that they lost a good thing! Be successful. Lean on God! Do not take your life, instead, improve it! You’ll be depressed for a while, that’s understandable, but a stronger person will emerge from it! I wish you well!

Get Over the Mistakes

We all make mistakes. Some we can recover from, some we pay the consequences. We made the choice and we might not have included God in that choice. At least, He forgives us even if we want. At the end of the day, whose forgiveness do you think will count? Don’t carry the burden and don’t let anyone put one on you. Remember God is always in control.

Pray for Carl

My friend Carl has been going through some health problems that the doctors can’t seem to diagnose. He’s been to dentists, optometrists, ophthalmologists, ear, nose & throat specialists, neurologists, and more. They are sending him to the Mayo Clinic. His problem is a constant throbbing behind between his eyes and ears, some type of headache. Since he’s taken medication for it, on a pain scale of 1-10, it’s at a daily level of 4 for right now. Before then, Carl has hit some peaks. I ask that if you are reading this to please say a prayer for him. Prayer works when nothing else does. Is it prayer or our faith in prayer that takes us forward? Does it matter as long as we get positive results? Does it matter Who you believe in as long as you have somebody to pray to? Speaking for myself, it does matter! I believe in God, our Creator, regardless of what scientists or anyone say!

Lifetime Battles

We fight battles everyday it seems over health, finances, education, relationships, co-workers, jobs, neighbors, whomever or whatever we feel that are causing us unhappiness. These burdens can get so heavy that if we don’t be careful, they’ll become an obsession and drown us. Many of us know that it’s the devil who’s stirring up contention. We knew this already. The devil has had centuries of conning and deceiving mankind. Satan is doing everything he can to destroy anything good and he will do whatever it takes. Distract you from God long enough, he got you. It’s not always major problems that cause the shakeups. It can be some trivial things that can blow completely out of hand. But for some reason, we just don’t go to God to have Him fight our battles. His door is always opened. We’re such an “instant” society that we expect results as soon as we tell Him our problems. All I can say God is always on time. His Divine Plan is not the same as ours, but He knows what He’s doing. Look around you, there’s problems everywhere. Since the beginning of time, there have been problems. And the only one to overcome them has been God. If we don’t take our eyes off of him, we won’t sink. Keep Him in front of you and He’ll fight your battles, God doesn’t mind. He can handle it. Don’t be discouraged and just pray more.

Who's Right, Who's Wrong

There are usually “two sides to every story”, depending on how many people involved, it could be more. How many doesn’t really matter, it just adds more “sides of the story.” The problems begin when you hear only one side from the person talking to you. You’re not hearing from all involved. But we still weigh the information because we believe in the person telling us. Well, someone believes in the other person’s story, too! So who’s right or wrong? Do we actually have all the information we need to form a conclusion? Sometimes, the evidence is shown on the person’s face or property. That’s a pretty strong argument for who was abused. Verbal abuse and the like are harder to see. I’m just saying don’t always think you’re heard everything if you haven’t heard the whole story. Somewhere in-between is the truth. I still believe that a lot of problems we still with, starts within. It’s just easier to blame someone else for our own faults.

Separate and Go

A young person told me that sometimes in relationships one partner can’t talk about some matters of the heart with the other. So they find someone else to talk to. It could be dangerous, if you’re not careful. We really don’t tell our partner for fear it will hurt them or cause problems. Love refuses to cause pain it should be the tool to communicate openly and freely. Unfortunately, we don’t use love unconditionally. We keep the one person we wanted to share life with, out of our lives. We would rather keep the peace than be honest and truthful. That’s not giving our mate much credit. We don’t think they are that mature or capable of handling the “hard stuff.” Instead, we just continue to put up with “it.” Sooner, if not later, the two partners are heading separate ways. You can’t get back the time you had. Once it’s gone, it is gone. So many of us live a lifetime of unhappiness (fake) rather than face true happiness (Honesty).

Young folks have a lot going on in their heads. They deserve more credit than we give them. We just have to take time with them and listen. They have a lot to say.

Thank you for the compliments many of you have given me! You all have been really encouraging!

A Change is Gonna Come, If You Try

Today, I stepped out of my comfort zone. I am definitely taking a leap in faith. My greatest fear has always been rejection. I am facing this fear today by submitting my request to people I respect to share a part of my life with to read this blog. It will now be open to positive and negative comments. But the most important thing I have learned is, you never know if you don't try. You have to fail before you succeed. This is an opportunity to learn more about myself and my thoughts. It also gives me a chance to see what other people think. I always believed that we all are no different other than our complexions. We laugh, we cry, we have great expectations. We all want the best that life can give. We love our families, we want good jobs, trusted friends and want to go to heaven, peacefully. We make mistakes, some we regret, some we learn from. We can only strive to be better people starting from within. Look around you, the world is changing so fast it's unbelieveable. People are dying, suffering and having some hard times. We should be grateful for what we have than nothing at all.

Make It a Happy Ending Anyway

If it's a great movie or book you enjoy the ending. It's better when you know that it’s a happy ending! We all like winners! This includes the loser throughout the movie who finally wins at the end! That means so much! The kid who finally stands up to bullies, the employee that finally got recognized with a pay raise and/or promotion. The guy who finally wins the heart of the woman he always loved. I’m sure we could think of many more. Unfortunately, we live in reality and there are not many happy endings in life. We make the best of what is given to us. We can roll over and give up or we can stand up and fight back when we’re down. It’s up to us to decide what we want from life. It can get tough sometimes but we got to stay positive. Have a great 4th of July!