Geaux Health & Fitness Magazine June 2014 | Page 20

geaux healthy healthy louisiana By: Bill Gvoich, M.S. Medical Wellness Program Director Spectrum Fitness & Medical Wellness America has a national health crisis, an obesity pandemic and an inactivity epidemic, which affects every segment of society. Louisiana ranks as one of the unhealthiest states in the country. Sports organizations, such as The New Orleans Saints, are promoting the health benefits of physical activity through their school programs. Two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese, and for children it’s not much better – one out of three children are overweight or obese. The Louisiana 2 Step is a free motivational program of Louisiana Blue Cross Blue Shield that teaches people two simple steps to better health: eat right and move more. More than 80 percent of the diseases that kill us are lifestyle related. Carrying excess weight puts people at an increased risk of developing heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, some forms of cancer and sleep apnea. Then there is the wear and tear on the joints, espe