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Canadians Need to Combat Obesity
Author : Rod Charles, Writer / Editor Category : Health and Wellness
It’s six in the morning and Korey Sam of Koach Kore Personal Fitness is all smiles as he opens the door to his gym and prepares for his workout.
“There is nothing like being up early and beating the sun to the gym,” says Sam, who loves to get his own workouts in before his first client. “It’s the way everyone should begin their day.”
While this is easier said than done for most people, the statistics would seem to support Sam that Canadians need to do a better job getting into shape.
According to a report on the Health Canada website entitled ‘It’s You’re Health’, the number of Canadians who are overweight or obese has increased dramatically over the past 25 years. According to the report obesity is a risk factor in a number of chronic diseases and achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is important to reduce the risk of those diseases and improve overall health. The report went on to say that the proportion of obese children has nearly tripled in the last 25 years.
While Sam is disheartened by these statistics, he isn’t surprised.
“The bottom line is that people need to excerice more and eat better. I don’t say this lightly because I know getting into shape by going to the gym and passing over tasty food isn’t easy,” says Sam. “But it’s amazing to me how even taking small steps like drinking more water, a fifteen minute walk, cutting back on processed food, consuming more vegetables, and smoking less can make such a difference in your health.”
What is most concerning about the report are the statistics pertaining to children.
According to a Statistics Canada Report entitled ‘Canadian Health Measures Survey 2007 – 2009’, between 1981 and 2009 fitness levels of Canadian children and youth, as well as those of adults, declined significantly.
The report went on to say that among youth aged 15 to 19, the percentage whose waist circumference put them at an increased or high risk of health problems more than tripled.
Sam says three of the biggest reasons why most people aren’t willing to get into shape is fear of cost, lack of time, and feelings of intimidation.
“Maybe you aren’t in a financial position to hire a personal trainer just yet. Maybe you don’t have a lot of time to cook fresh meals. Maybe you’re anxious about going to the gym and feel a little intimidated. Fine, those are all legitimate concerns,” says Sam. “But there are still little things that you can do until you’re ready to make your health a priority. And if you can’t do it for yourself, do it so that you can be an example for our youth.”
Korey Sam’s Suggestions for Battling Obesity
- Get to a gym
Sam: Try and get to a gym a minimum of three times a week. If this isn’t possible, do what you can – go for a twenty minute jog or quick walk, buy a fitness tape and follow it. Do what you can to elevate your heart rate and become more active. This is also great for reducing stress.
- Eat Better
Sam: Try to avoid processed food whenever you can. Avoid taking in sugar at night. Load up on vegetables, especially leafy greens. Cut back on red meats and eat foods like grilled chicken breasts or fish.
- Drink more water
Sam: A lot of people out there are simply not drinking enough water. Drinking soda isn’t the same as drinking water. Try and take in a minimum of six glasses day.
- Have Fun
Sam: Life has its ups and downs. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Make life as simple as possible and try and do things that are going to bring you joy. People have a tendancy to eat poor foods to make themselves feel better when they’re stressed.
