Nutrition: Will Reduced Calorie Diets help the Obesity Issue in the U.S?

by. Leah Rampolla

Reduced calorie diets reap the obvious benefits of a healthy weight and overall good health.  An article on nutrition.gov reports on a recent study conducted by the ARS (Agricultural Research Service). This study has found that low and very low calorie diets significantly enhance the immunity responses of the body as well.  ARS studied the effects of caloric restrictions on the function of T cells (a major type of white blood cell) and other immune system factors. The study found that T cell responses were significantly increased with low calorie diets. This study has provided the initial indication that short term calorie restriction ( a 6 month time frame)  improves T cell functioning thus boosting immunity.

The CDC had coined the term “obesogenic” to describe American society.  This term is characterized by environments that promote increased food intake, non healthful foods, and physical inactivity. Current statistics would certainly support this term and its meaning. The CDC reports that 1/3 of U.S. adults are obese which equates to 72 million people. 16% of U.S children are obese. This is of concern as obese children are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and abnormal glucose tolerance. A study of 5-17 year olds has found that 70% of obese children have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease and 39% have at least two risk factors. From 1979-81 to 1997-99 annual hospital costs related to obesity among children and adolescents increased from $35 million to $127 million.

Obesity rates have increased among all U.S. societal groups regardless of age, sex, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, education, and geographic region. It should be noted however, that obesity rates tend to be higher in Southern states. While obesity is an obvious detriment to individual health, it also strains the already embattled U.S health care system. A 2000 CDC study reported that obesity rated health care totaled $117 billion. This figure is undoubtedly higher as obesity rates continue to climb. In addition to astronomical health care costs, overall productivity has decreased due to obesity related health issues. Medical expenditures for obese workers depending on the severity of obesity and sex are between 29%-117% greater than expenditures for normal weight workers.

Despite these alarming statistics some discernable progress has been made. A CDC survey found that from 2003-2004 and 2005-2006 there were no significant obesity prevalence increases observed in children, adolescents, women, and men.  Obesity rates also appear to be leveling in children in high obesity rate states such as Arkansas.  This progress may be attributed to CDC’s efforts to promote obesity awareness as a national public health problem.  From 2000-2007 media coverage on obesity in prints and newswires increased from 8,000 to more than 28,000 articles.

Awareness and knowledge are certainly critical first steps in the national effort to address this health problem. However, more people are of an unhealthy weight than not which is indicative of much more effort and progress needed. Obesity and overweight has reached epidemic proportions in this country and a sustained educational effort is needed to address this problem.

Three (3) P’s To Marketing Any Business In Any Economy

 

Time and time again, you always hear terms like “my business is different” or “that won’t work for my business”.  I am talking about marketing your business, products, or services.  When you get right down to it, marketing does work if it is done correctly.

Here is a formula to use when marketing any business, service, or product. It’s called the three (3) P’s of Marketing.

The first 'P' represents Passion.  Whatever you are doing, what ever business you are running, whatever product or service you are selling, you better be passionate about it or else you are in big trouble. If you don’t love what you are doing, if you don’t believe in what you are selling it is very difficult to get others to buy into it too.  Whether you are training a staff member or directly selling to potential buyer, if you are not behind what you are doing, the results will be bleak.  Think to yourself why are you doing what you do?  If you are a business owner, go back to why you wanted to be a business owner in the first place?   What was the passion behind you starting your own business.  If you represent a product, you better be passionate about it or maybe you are selling the wrong thing.

The second 'P' stands for Purpose.  Before you doing anything in your business, whether it be creating an advertisement, website, or marketing materials you first have to answer one major questions… ”What is the purpose of ___________?”  If you are building a website for example, what is the purpose of your website?  Is it to give away information?  How about collect leads?  Is it to sell something?  Or is to have them pick up the phone and call you?  If you don’t have a purpose, it is difficult to create something.

It amazes me how often I speak to business owners and sales professionals about various marketing strategies and when I look at their materials, it is not very clear what you want them to do.  Websites are notoriously bad at this.  People say well I have a website.  That is great to have a website but what is your websites purpose?  Many times this question can not be answered.  Make sure that for all your advertising and marketing that you can answer this simple question.  Once you answer it, make sure your marketing piece clearly matches your purpose.

The last 'P' is simply Profitability.  The reason for being in business is to make a profit.  Even non-profits need to make money (profits) so they can give those profits to their cause. If your company makes 1 million dollars in revenue but your operating costs are 1 million dollars, there is no profit.  Same for if your company makes 100 million dollars and your operating costs are 100 million dollars.

The same holds true for any of your marketing.  The purpose of marketing anything is to get a return on your investment.  If your marketing is not being profitable, it is not being effective.  There are many reasons this can happen that we won’t get into here but the bottom line is whatever you are doing in your marketing efforts it needs to be profitable for you in the long run.

So there is the 3 P marketing formula.  If you have all 3 of these, you will have a business that will be around for a long time.

Marketing your products and services is critical to your business growth and long term success.  Make sure that you are doing the right things in your marketing efforts to make that happen.

Can Autoresponders Work For Local Business Owners?

How would you feel if you could send out all the information that your potential clients, customers, or patients have requested without lifting a finger?

While this may seem impossible, it is becoming more and more popular among the most successful businesses and companies in order to create an automated follow up and marketing system.

So how can you do this? Simple:  It’s called an Autoresponder system!

An autoresponder system is an automatic method of responding to emails

sent by existing or potential customers and is a must for any business or

organization. Time is money and answering e-mails personally takes far too

much of your already valuable time for you and your customers. Auto responders

allow you to spend more time on other important aspects of your business whilst

the customer receives the information required almost immediately and automatically!

Because of the versatility of autoresponders they can be used by practically any type of business. Answering questions about products and services, creating sales, providing information on pricing and delivery including being used to welcome new customers to your website and thanking them for visiting.

So, why use an autoresponder system when you can list the information on your website?

I was just doing a speaking event last week and someone from the audience asked me the exact same question.

Here is the answer (or at least a few of them).  For one, you only have about 5 to 7 seconds to catch the attention of your website visitor.  While you many have this information somewhere on your website, there is a huge chance that no one will ever read it.

Second reason, the correct autoresponder system can capture leads for you. It can also follow up with your potential prospects on autopilot.  It can also organize a segmented database for you…WITHOUT YOU DOING ANYTHING!

There are certainly even more benefits than these but hey, this is just a blog post,

not a book!

It is crucial for you to choose the right one. Buying an autoresponder is the the easy part.

Choosing the right one for you that does everything you want it and need it to do is another, and knowing how to effectively use it in your marketing is even more important.

Who can tell you which one is best for you? Good question.  The answer is not so simple.

First, you need to determine the purpose of your autoresponder system.  What is it that you want it to do for your company?  Do you want it to simply emaila list of people or do you want to create an entire marketing system for your business?

You can find some that are free or low cost and you can find ones that can do everything except cook you dinner.  Which one is the right one? The simple answer is it depends on your needs.

Autoresponders are one of the most important marketing tools you can use today in your business if you know how to use them effectively.

Finally the automatic responses of the autoresponder will give you freedom and flexibility to save you time while increasing your market reach and follow up. It can bring you an increase in leads, sales, and repeat buyers on total autopilot. Can it work for your business?  I’d say it most likely can!

Nutrition: Diseases Caused by Obesity

by. Leah Rampolla


According to obesityinamerica.org more than 80% of people with type 2 diabetes are obese or overweight.  CDC data indicates that 2/3 of U.S. adults with type 2 diabetes have a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or greater which is classified as overweight and unhealthy. Overweight and obese people have an increased instance of heart failure, heart attack, sudden cardiac death, angina, and abnormal heart rhythms.

Excessive body fat is also linked to higher levels of triglycerides and LDLs and lower levels of HDL cholesterol which fosters the development of heart disease. Hypertension (high blood pressure) greatly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of high blood pressure. Blood pressure rises as body weight increases. Losing only ten pounds can lower blood pressure.  Losing weight has the biggest effect on those who are overweight and already have hypertension.

1 in 5 overweight people are affected by metabolic syndrome or syndrome X26. Metabolic syndrome can cause diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Metabolic syndrome is one of the fastest growing obesity related health concerns in the U.S.  This syndrome is characterized by obesity, hypertension, abnormal lipid levels, and high blood sugar. The CDC states that metabolic syndrome affects nearly one quarter- 22% or 47 million members of the U.S. population.

Another medical condition perpetuated by obesity is dyslipidemia. This condition occurs when LDL and triglyceride levels are high and HDL is low. Doctors attribute this shift in lipid levels to weight gain. To counter this condition weight loss is recommended. Losing twenty pounds can reduce LDL by 15%, reduce triglyceride levels by 30%, increase HDL by 8%, and reduce total cholesterol levels by 10%.


There is also a potential link between thyroid conditions and obesity. Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and there is currently an assumed link between obesity and thyroid glands but further study is needed to confirm this relationship.

Numerous data illustrates the numerous and potential fatal medical conditions and diseases that are caused by overweight and obesity. Proper nutrition and regular exercise are imperative for not only a good quality of life but a long and healthy life as well.

Nutrition: Demographic Obesity

By. Leah Rampolla



It is interesting to note that specific racial and ethnic groups show significant disparities in obesity prevalence as. One common observable trend is that increased obesity rates occur in demographics that are generally below the poverty level. Those who live below or at poverty level generally lack access to wholesome and nutritious foods. Fast food and convenience foods, which are often times much cheaper than healthier foods, are consumed in larger quantities in low income areas due to affordability. Another large factor in the consumption of high fat, low nutrition foods is the lack of education regarding a healthy diet. In addition to a lack of availability, lack of education regarding the food groups and the components of a healthy diet, and how to proper read and understand food labels all perpetuate this disparity.


Without access to proper nutrition education, parents are unable to school their children about proper eating habits and foods. According to a CDC article entitled: “Obesity Prevalence Among Low Income Preschool Children 1998-2008” 1 in 7 low income preschool aged children is obese.  In low income two to four year olds the prevalence of obesity increased from 12.4% in 1998 to 14.5% in 2003. This increase is of concern considering it occurred in a span of a mere five years.

In 2008, the demographics with the highest levels of obesity prevalence were American Indians or Alaskan Natives at 21.2% and Hispanics at 18.5%.  In American society, Native Americans and Native Alaskans are generally classified as members of the poorest socioeconomic tier.  In addition to high poverty levels, inadequate education and drug and alcohol abuse are rampant among this demographic. The statistics from the CDC survey indicate that Indian Tribal Organizations reported the highest percentage; over 20% of preschoolers are obese. Again, poverty levels and lack of educational resources generally foster higher obesity rates.


While the percentages of certain demographics may be higher than others, it is indisputable that obesity is a country wide epidemic that spans all demographics. In 2008 only two states in America, Colorado and Hawaii, reported an obesity rate of less than 10% in preschool aged children. Information about healthy foods and proper nutrition must be made readily available for all demographics regardless of socioeconomic standing. In addition to the education, resources must be made available for those that fall in the low income bracket. Public school systems could be a means in which low income children could receive education about healthy foods in addition to providing access to nutritious foods through school breakfast and lunch programs. Federal funding should be allocated to lower income schools to provide children with the education and means to integrate healthy foods into their diet.

Weekly Health Update

Mental Attitude: US Children Are Depressed! According to an alarming study, in 2007 8% of children in the US, ages 12-17, had a Major Depressive Episode! 

 

National Health Interview Survey, 2008
Health Alert: Children Are Still Smoking! A shocking survey showed 50% of high school students tried smoking in 2008, and 25% of children ages 12 or older currently consider themselves smokers. 

 

CDC, 2009
Diet: We Are Eating Ourselves To Death! 27.2% of US adults, aged 20 years and over, are obese! Obesity is defined as a Body Mass Index of 30 or more or 20% or more above your recommended weight.

 

National Health Interview Survey, 2009

To calculate you BMI: take your height (in inches) and square it. Then divide that number into your body weight (in pounds). Then multiply by 703.

 

Underweight                < 18.5

Normal Weight           18.5-24.9

Overweight                 25.0-29.9

Obese                        30.0-34.9

Very Obese                35.0-39.9

Morbid Obesity           Over 40

Exercise: Best Results For Strengthening. Stretching the muscle you are strengthening is key; however, it is also important to stretch stretching the muscle opposite of the one you are strengthening if that muscle is tight or overly-contracted. Example: If strengthening the upper back muscles, first stretch the chest muscles (which are typically tight and turning off the very muscle group you are trying to strengthen) and then stretch the upper back muscles (combined, this stretching will maximizes muscle firing). Once your stretching is done, then strengthen the chest. Try it!  Craig Liebenson, DC

Chiropractic: Being Overweight is Bad For Your Back. Excess body weight, especially around the waist, puts strain on your back. It is like carrying a bag of groceries all day. Being overweight often means being in poor physical condition, with weaker muscles and less flexibility. Both of these factors can lead to low back pain. Even losing a few pounds can make a huge difference.

 

Wellness/Prevention: Get Outside Or Get Sick! People DO NOT get sick from cold weather; it's from being indoors a lot more. The highest concentration of germs is inside, so if you stay indoors more during the winter,you’re exposed to more germs.

Quote: “The biggest disease today is not leprosy or tuberculosis, but rather the feeling of being unwanted.” ~ Mother Theresa
   

            

Weekly Health Update

Mental Attitude: Laughter and Humor: Natural Ways to Reduce Stress. There is truth to the saying that laughter is the best medicine. Laughing reduces stress hormones like adrenaline (epinephrine) and cortisol. It also benefits your immune system by increasing the number and activity of Natural Killer T-cells. These cells act as the first line of defense against viral attacks and damaged cells.  Monique Gilbert, B.Sc.

Health Alert: Sleep On This! Sepracor, makers of Lunesta (the top selling sleep prescription sleep medicine), spent $298 million in advertising in 2006 alone! IMS Health, 2007

 Diet: Feed Your Brain These 3 Brain-Friendly Nutrients:

1) Omega-3 fatty acids are linked to brain development and function. Sources of omega-3s include seafood (especially cold-water fish) and supplements.
2) Choline improves memory and protects against senility in old age. Sources of choline include egg yolks, skim milk, soybeans and lentils.
3) Folic acid can reduce the risk of birth defects and improve your ability to think clearly and remember, decreasing the risk of Alzheimer's. Sources include spinach, asparagus, avocado, cereals fortified with B9, and most daily multivitamin supplements. Nutrition Journal, 2005

Exercise: Shoulder and Upper Back Stretching Exercises at Your Desk. Extend one arm out straight in front of you. With the other hand, grab the elbow of the outstretched arm and pull it across your chest, stretching your shoulder and upper back muscles. Hold for 15-30 seconds and release. Repeat on the other side.  Angela Smith, MD

Chiropractic: 4 Ways To Decrease Risk Of Back Pain. 

1) Get adjusted by your chiropractor. Your muscles, bones and ligaments are stressed continuously by normal daily activities (driving, sitting at the computer, lifting your kids, etc.). These stresses add up over time and can lead to muscle tightness, spasms, joint stiffness and pain.

2) Proper ergonomics. Properly set up your computer work station. When lifting, use your legs and trunk. Try to avoid bending the back while you lift.

3) Exercise regularly. Exercise helps the stretching and strengthening of your back muscles.

4) Avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits. Emotional stress can cause muscle tension. Watch what you eat as excess weight can contribute to back pain.

Wellness/Prevention: Anti-Smoking Legislation Working! Hospitals report a significant decline in cardiovascular and respiratory admissions in areas where smoking is banned in restaurants.

Canadian Medical Association Journal, April 2010

Quote: "Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." ~ John F. Kennedy