" U.S. ranked near and at the bottom in almost every heath indicator. That stunned us."

[Kalidurga]

53. Posted in another thread thought it would fit here as well.

These were my ideas on combating heart disease, but they would probably work for most diseases.


1. People need to get more sleep. We are an insomniac nation. Include me in on that I have had a sleep disorder or two since I was about 10 years old.

2. People need to eat a lot more vegetables and fruit.

3. People need to eat more fiber.

4. We need to make cities more walker friendly.

5. We have to make this country more income equitable (not cheap, but it is part of a comprehensive approach to the heart disease problem).

6. We have to make it ok for people to express their feelings and this includes women as many women don't want to be seen as being too emotional in the work force.

7. We need to teach people how to self sooth in ways that don't involve drugs or alcohol. Teaching yoga would probably be a good thing.

8. We need to put physical education back in schools and it should be for at least one hour every day.

9. We need to work on being less judgmental. A lot of people are very sensitive to criticism and with good reason. Many critics are critical of a lot of things that aren't their business, like if a young mother works outside the home.

10. We have to reduce this culture of violence. I am not saying put away violent movies and video games. But everything from our language to how we treat each other in conflicts reeks with violence even if it isn't physical ie a lot of yelling and posturing.

I don't think the obesity problem is an individual problem. I think the causes are many and there is little help to combat the problem. Also I don't think it is THE problem. I think it is a symptom and a problem a dangerous problem. I think the solutions have to come from individuals and communities. But in the meantime with or without community support it won't hurt each individual to figure out what can make them healthier and see what they can do on their own even if it is just eating a bowl of oatmeal, some more veggies, and getting out for a walk for 30 minutes a day. That might help a few people that are able to change habits. But, so many are stressed from working a couple of jobs and trying to hold it all together. We need to help them find solutions for their situations.