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