Strangers in the night

Strangers in the night

August 16, 2013

By: Gina Yoryet Roman

Last week: Reflecting

I took a couple of days off and completely withdrew from the gym, writing, working, volunteer work and the usual turmoil. I just said “I completely withdrew.” NOT really, I am the type of person who gets antsy after lying down even for a short while to the point that I can’t even sit down to enjoy a nice movie because there is so much more to do before sun sets. 

The first days of August I attempted to fully disengage from my surroundings and go M. I. A. but I failed once again. First of all, my laptop was one of my top companions which I brought with the intention of finishing up a short work report by Wednesday. Second, I got a call on day number two of my outing (right when I had gotten back from a relaxing stroll) for work related issues. Day number three was the due date of the previously mentioned report so there was no room for excuses. I thought that would be all when my phone rang again. Day number four, there was another work call which I assigned to one of my colleagues. Day number five came much sooner than expected, “A-ha! this is my day off!” WRONG! I got another call to start a small project next week. Day number six was just as hustling as the prior ones so I got to the idea of it! 

One of the few quiet moments I vividly recall, was the night I paid close attention to the folklore dance show. It seemed as if those dancers had gotten all my attention but no! I was there physically BUT not mentally. My eyes gazed at all the people coming and going to get another plate of food, dessert, a drink, etc. I gazed at them thoroughly and wondered what was going through their minds at that particular moment?

The splendid ambience made me slowly integrate deeper in my thoughts and as I became more distant all the voices sounded as if I were dreaming. Instead of dozing off, I 

did some careful reflecting, I made a serious and important decision about something I had been pondering about for very long. 

That decision involved getting the least important and less profitable responsibilities out of my way in order to really focus on MY game. My project has been put off for too long for one reason or another and I refuse to continue letting it happen any further. I have a strong feeling that the ‘right time and place’ are peering through my window and as I get a hold of my momentum, I don’t want to let it slip away. 

That objective is work related...

Since my arrival here, I have never worked at an office because I am not good at it, I don’t react too well with sharing my space or other particular things. Some may think I am lazy but reality is that I am not enticed to live somebody else’s dream. I want to play my own game, live my dream, set my own rules, live by my own principles, decide who stays and goes in my life, and enjoy it and I will. 

I was always afraid to voice out my desires but every time the clock ticks indicating me that  time is running through my hands, I will create and live my dream. Those strangers in the night whose faces were concealed by darkness, stimulated me to reach out deep down and find myself to dictate my own destiny. With this in hand, now that I’ve eliminated a few things, I will start making a slow transition to get my mojo back. I will continue being faithful to my health and fitness and my abc’s because I no longer wish to stray and be a stranger to Gina Yoryet...

Health vs. Weight Loss vs. vanity

Health vs. Weight Loss vs. vanity

August 3rd, 2013

By: Gina Yoryet Roman

Yesterday was a reaffirmation that my knee is not quite ready to alternate between a high-intensity cross fit routine and a hard core sprint training session yet. Things seemed to be going well until the day before today when my operated knee started throbbing early afternoon and went on till about nine or ten p. m. when I finally managed to stay still. My right calf was in pain, both my ankles and soles were sore for an unknown reason. Had I gone to the gym, I would’ve blamed it on that. This physical unsettledness has been ongoing for more than a year which makes health, wellness and fitness seem as a far away mirage. 

After the fourteenth I’ll have a chance to seek other alternatives such as an acupuncturist who I won’t hesitate to reach out to, to get the the bottom of this never-ending ailment that is robbing me from sleep and peace of mind. I want my fears to be assuaged and be assured that I will reach wholeness once again without permitting my demanding and competitive nature to force me to do more than what my body can do. 

Today I felt better but not 100% well yet. That’s why this physical setback’s got me trying to nail down the main issue in desperate search of a, “You will be ok real soon,” assertion. Although I am not there yet, I’ve been approached by different people to help them accomplish their goal and despite trying, I feel like I am not giving the best of me because of this impediment. I cannot do a complete full force workout which leads me to unmotivation. I am caught a midst mixed emotions. Part of me tells me that I am not the best role model, and part of me tells me not to give up. 

Earlier today before putting on a diet plan for marathon runner, J. R. M., one of the people who sought my advice, I got curious and did something I never had to feel at ease. Through my wonderful friend’s help (google), I checked what my horoscope, numerology, the Chinese Zodiac and the Mayan Astrology foresee for me health-wise at no avail. 

The Chinese Zodiac didn’t necessarily answer my doubts but I got this:

Positives: Kind, sensitive, wise, astute, docile, thoughtful, refined. Negatives: Moody, detached, cunning, possessive, fussy, snobbish.

The Mayan Astrology didn’t have THE answer to ameliorate my fears either but this it described my personality:

You epitomize beauty and ideals. You can get your head lost in the clouds, dreaming about what could be and how you can make life better for all. You're the type of person others want to know, both platonically and romantically. People have high expectations of you because you hold great power. Focus on providing love and compassion to others, and don't give into pressure to be perfect. If you hold too strongly to your "best case scenarios" you will often find yourself disappointed or disappointing others. Live in the moment and worry less about the future - you are naturally giving a lot to the world as you are.

Numerology was very unclear as well, this is all I could get:

Today's vibrations will make you once again hypersensitive...They will help you to see things in depth and put you in a psychically febrile state which will tend to exasperate you. You may be a little rough with your family and friends. So be prudent in your relationships.Put a brake on any ideas that are too abstract and concentrate on your relationships with your family and friends. Be conciliatory and everything will go well!

My horoscope told me a little more but didn’t pacify my restless mind either:

Sagittarius Personality: Inquisitive and energetic, the Sagittarius is the traveler of the Zodiac. Their philosophical, broad-minded approach to life motivates them to wander far and wide in the search for the meaning of life. Extroverted, optimistic, and enthusiastic, it can be almost impossible to keep the Sagittarius down. They love change. In fact, change is essential for this sign to feel their best.

Where I was trying to get with this search was to find proof that I will be ok sooner rather than later BUT first and foremost, I have to reverse the coin and change my mentality. Look at the whole picture, think it thoroughly, balance things out and change the order from most to least important: Health vs. weight loss vs. vanity. 

Ten, fifteen years ago, my superficial and egocentric self lucidly emphasized the most important without even analyzing the situation: Vanity vs. weight loss vs. health. Many years later and through the expertise I've gained, things cannot, will not and must not ever be like that once again. It is part of the human process, to live and enjoy our youth and grow and except that our engine cannot perform like it did long ago.

Where I stand right now: My body has lost 90% muscle, according to my standards, there’s A LOT of flab all around. As the high-rendering athlete I’ve always been, I am at a three, ten being the best. I can be critical at every single second, complain and detest at the image that looks right back at me in the mirror and get frustrated. On the other hand, I am very content with all the physical accomplishments I’ve left behind, that is why I will not push and hurt my temple any further. I accept my nature and the law of life, there's no turning back...

'God always forgives, man sometimes forgives, but nature never forgives.'

A Poem to Remind us to Keep in Touch with Family and Friends

A Poem to Remind us to Keep in Touch with Family and Friends

July 30, 2013

Around the corner I have a friend,

In this great city that has no end,

Yet the days go by and weeks rush on,

And before I know it, a year is gone.

And I never see my old friends face,

For life is a swift and terrible race,

He knows I like him just as well,

As in the days when I rang his bell.

And he rang mine but we were younger then,

And now we are busy, tired men.

Tired of playing a foolish game,

Tired of trying to make a name.

"Tomorrow" I say! "I will call on Jim

Just to show that I'm thinking of him."

But tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes,

And distance between us grows and grows.

Around the corner, yet miles away,

"Here's a telegram sir," "Jim died today."

And that's what we get and deserve in the end.

Around the corner, a vanished friend.

Remember to always say what you mean.

If you love someone, tell them.

Don't be afraid to express yourself.

Reach out and tell someone what they mean to you.

Because when you decide that it is the right time it might be too late.

Seize the day. Never have regrets.

And most importantly, stay close to your friends

and family, for they have helped

make you the person that you are today.

Sharing a young woman's dream

Sharing a young 

woman’s dream

July 29, 2013

By: Gina Yoryet Roman

This past Friday I met with O. E., a friend and prior student of mine, and his 14 year old niece, C. E. N. who is coming close to turning fifteen. Los quince may be just another number for many, unlike for young Mexican women and young ladies in other Latin American cultures. The reason why three times five is of such high importance in many places is because this phase marks the transition from childhood to womanhood. A huge party is usually held to introduce the blossoming woman to society. The dresses quinceañeras wear are very bride like, they only differentiate because of the variation in colors. 

O, being concerned reached out to my health and fitness expertise and stated that C. is very thrilled about her upcoming party on March 2014 BUT she is overweight and wants to trim down to boost her confidence and look good.

My first reaction was, “I am ready for the challenge and I am flattered that people are putting their trust in me.”

Here´s what I did next:

Step 1: Put on a health questionnaire, filled in all the information and had a look at the photos they sent me to narrow down the areas that need more work.

Step 2. Once that was done, I put on a basic diet plan and exercise routine.

Step 3: Met with them to go over the questionnaire, and emphasize the importance to them. “If you want it with all your heart, mind and soul, you will make it happen, I will only be guiding you but the solution lies within you.” 

Step 4: Schedule meeting number 2, to record any progress made  (Meeting # 2: August 16) 

What I didn’t reveal to O. and Catherine is that we are all one who will reach our goal because team work makes the dream work. Their efforts are a shot in the arm for me, the right fuel to lift me up and push myself more, especially now that I am reaching the end of the road to recovery. Every time someone seeks me for advice, they are oblivious to the fact that as opposed to me being their motivation, they are mine. 

This principle does not only apply to health and fitness, when two or more individuals work together, the strength of UNITY makes us want to push harder. The laws of GIVING, GRATITUDE, RESPONSIBILITY and PATIENCE, are essential to reach our goal and unless we have our loved ones to share our triumphs, life can be pointless. 

Therefore, I am blessed to share my knowledge, time, expertise, discipline and focus and live and share a young woman’s illusion. We will celebrate our victory pretty soon! That is why I am more than happy to lead her and walk with her hand in hand from day one till the last moment of this tough phase. In early March when our results can be seen, I will pride myself and encourage her to be an example to other young girls who are undergoing through the same experience. 

She has a whole life ahead and now is a good day for a NEW beginning. When someone inquires her, “Can you describe in a five-word sentence what it takes to attain my objective and turn my dream into a reality?” 

Focus, discipline, persistence and INCREDIBLE SELF-CONTROL. 

“My body is my most valuable asset and if it doesn’t function properly, nothing else will.” 

By: Gina Yoryet Roman 

May 2009 Health & Fitness interview.

Ginger, cinnamon and garlic

Ginger, cinnamon and garlic

July 28, 2013

By: Gina Yoryet Roman

In April I was prescribed vasculflow by my doctor after being diagnosed with a light venous insufficiency. About eight weeks post taking that particular medication, I was able to see a very slight difference, if any. Since I am all for natural remedies instead, I retaliated and asked around and sought for healthier alternatives such as google. I typed, “Top home remedies for venous insufficiency.” Amazingly garlic was placed tops to clear the arteries and allow blood to flow properly. Ginger was also one of the top and most effective natural remedies to regulate blood flow. 

When I read about the wonders ginger root, cinnamon and garlic provide, I immediately cut back on vasculflow. I started taking it every other day as opposed to every twelve hours, then every two days, than, I stopped taking it completely. On top of that I changed my diet by integrating more veggies which gave me a great boost. Not only did it increase my energy level but it helped me feel cleaner and lighter. 

Since my discovery, I started alternating each day. 

Day 1: A cinnamon with ginger hot tea mix

Day 2: A green tea

Day 3: A small garlic clove (I was taking one daily, now every other day or every two days)

Day 4: Ginkgo Biloba

Day 5: Alternate

Day 6: Alternate

Day 7: Alternate

The outcome with these transparent substitutes is amazing! I definitely trust nature and its beauties as it’s given me a great boost to reach physical wholeness. My doctor confirm my great improvement during my appointment this past Friday. 

The amazing benefits of ginger:

The health benefits of ginger video: 

1. Eat fresh ginger just before lunch to stoke a dull appetite and fire up the digestive juices.

2. Ginger improves the absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients in the body.

3. Ginger clears the ‘microcirculatory channels’ of the body, including the pesky sinuses that tend to flare up from time to time.

4. Feeling airsick or nauseous? Chew on ginger, preferably tossed in a little honey.

5. Can’t stop the toot-a-thon? Gas—oops—guess what?! Ginger helps reduce flatulence!

6. Tummy moaning and groaning under cramps? Munch on ginger.

7. Reeling under joint pain? Ginger, with its anti-inflammatory properties—can bring relief. Float some ginger essential oil into your bath to help aching muscles and joints.

8. Just had surgery? Chewing ginger post-operation can help overcome nausea.

9. Stir up some ginger tea to get rid of throat and nose congestion. And when there’s a nip in the air, the warming benefits of this tasty tea are even greater!

10. Bedroom blues? Try adding a gingery punch to a bowl of soup. (Pss...the Ayurvedic texts credit ginger with aphrodisiac properties)

The benefits of cinnamon:

1. Numerous studies show that cinnamon regulates blood sugar, making it a great choice for diabetics and hypoglycemics alike.  That’s also great news for anyone who wants stable energy levels and moods.

2. It reduces LDL cholesterol levels.  LDL is also known as the harmful cholesterol.  Reducing it may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

3. It has natural anti-infectious compounds.  In studies, cinnamon has been effective against ulcer-causing H. pylori bacteria and other pathogens.

4. It reduces pain linked to arthritis.  Cinnamon has been shown in studies at the Department of Internal Medicine, Kangnam Korean Hospital, to reduce cytokines linked to arthritic pain.

5. Research at the University of Texas, published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer, shows that cinnamon may reduce the proliferation of cancer cells, holding promise for cancer prevention and sufferers of the disease.

6. It is a natural food preservative.

7. It contains fiber, calcium, iron, and manganese—albeit small amounts to the typical dose of ground cinnamon.

1. It’s been proven effective for menstrual pain and 9. infertility.  Cinnamon contains a natural chemical called cinnamaldehyde, which studies show increases the hormone progesterone and decreases testosterone production in women, helping to balance hormones.

15 benefits of garlic

Antibacterial and Antiviral

Garlic is most well-known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. They help control bacterial, viral, fungal, yeast and worm infections. Fresh garlic is thought to play a role in preventing food poisoning by killing bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella enteritidis, etc.

To treat skin infections

The chemical ajoene found in garlic may help treat fungal skin infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot.

Blood thinning

The anti-clotting properties of ajoene found in garlic help in preventing the formation of blood clots in the body. Hence, it may also increase the risk of bleeding after surgery.

Reduce blood pressure

Angiotensin II is a protein that helps our blood vessels contract thereby increasing the blood pressure. Allicin in garlic blocks the activity of angiotensin II and helps in reducing blood pressure. The polysulphides present in garlic are converted into a gas called hydrogen sulphide by the red blood cells. Hydrogen sulphide dilates our blood vessels and helps control blood pressure.

Protect heart

Garlic protects our heart against cardiovascular problems like heart attacks and atherosclerosis. This cardio-protective property can be attributed to various factors. With age, the arteries tend to lose their ability to stretch. Garlic may help reduce this and may also protect the heart from the damaging effects of free oxygen radicals. The sulphur-containing compounds of garlic also prevent our blood vessels from becoming blocked and slow the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). The anti-clotting properties of ajoene help prevent clots from forming inside the blood vessels.

Reduce cholesterol

Garlic has the ability to moderately lower our blood triglycerides and total cholesterol and reduce arterial plaque formation.

Combat allergies

Garlic is known to have anti-inflammatory property. It can help the body fight against allergies. The anti-arthritic property of garlic is due to diallyl sulphide and thiacremonone.  Garlic has been show to improve allergic airway inflammation (allergic rhinitis). Raw garlic juice may be used to immediately stop the itching due to rashes and bug bites.

Remedy for respiratory problems

Daily use of garlic might reduce the frequency and number of colds. Its antibacterial properties help in treating throat irritations. Garlic may also reduce the severity of upper respiratory tract infections. Its benefits in disorders of the lungs like asthma, difficulty of breathing, etc. make it a priceless medicine.  Its ability to promote expectoration makes it irreplaceable in chronic bronchitis.

Diabetes

Garlic increases insulin release and regulates blood sugar levels in diabetics.

Effective against warts and corns

Applying fat dissolving garlic extracts to corns on the feet and warts on the hands is thought to improve these conditions.

Cancer prevention

Daily intake of garlic has been found to lower risk of most types of cancer. This anti-cancer property is due to allyl sulphides found in garlic. PhIP, a type of heterocyclic amine (HCA), has been associated with increased incidence of breast cancer among women. According to studies, diallyl sulphide found in garlic inhibits the transformation of PhIP into carcinogens.

Improve iron metabolism

Ferroportin is a protein which helps in iron absorption and release. Diallyl sulphides in garlic increase production of ferroportin and help improve iron metabolism.

Stir up passions

Garlic’s aphrodisiac property is due to its ability to increase the circulation.

Toothaches

Simply put some crushed garlic clove directly on the affected tooth can help relieve toothaches due to its antibacterial and analgesic properties. But be aware that it can be irritating to the gum.

Reduce weight

Many researchers believe that obesity is a state of long-term low-grade inflammation. According to recent research, garlic may help to regulate the formation of fat cells in our body. Pre-adipocytes are converted into fat cells (adipocytes) through inflammatory system activity. The anti-inflammatory property of 1, 2-DT (1, 2-vinyldithiin) found in garlic may help inhibit this conversion. This may help prevent weight gain.

Ginkgo Biloba is one of the oldest plants that have been used on herbal and natural medicine. However, this plant was known to grow only in parts of Asia and therefore was used in China in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese cooking.

Ginkgo Biloba benefits:

It has been found that consuming 120mg of the herb in a day (spread over 2 to 3 doses) for about 6 months can cause significant improvement in the condition. This is in conjunction with regular exercise and daily walking; something that is good for all.
- The herb can help those who have been diagnosed with multi-infarct dementia or preliminary Alzheimer’s disease. Consumption of Gingko everyday helps in fighting signs like depression, performance anxiety, poor concentration, confusion, dizziness, headaches, absent-mindedness and more. This is because one of the main reasons for reduced cerebral capacity has been reduced blood flow to the brain. And by helping the arteries dilate and expand, the herb helps better blood flow to the brain.
- While the above are serious issues that Gingko Biloba can help with, it can also be a great aid in managing mountain sickness. Some research has shown that it can help in managing mountain sickness as effectively as prescription medicines.
- Regular issues like Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Depression have also been known to reduce with regular consumption of Gingko Biloba.
- Gingko Biloba benefits also include some eye related issues like macular degeneration, retinopathy and glaucoma. Since these ailments relate to the pressure in the vessels in the ye, they have been known to reduce in intensity with regular consumption of the herb.

- Reynaud’s disease is a condition where the level of blood to the toes and fingers is reduced. With the expanded blood vessels and microcirculation, the herb helps in providing adequate blood supply to the extremities and therefore is great for this condition as well.

- Some reports suggest that Gingko Biloba helps in managing vertigo; something that many need to fight given the high rise buildings that we all use these days.

Gingko Biloba benefits transcend the above mentioned specifics and can help in much more. While the Americans and Europeans have started to understand the greatness of this plant, there is still a lot more to be discovered. In addition to that there will always be the question of provable lab results versus empirical information that has been garnered over the years.

Adopting a clean diet is the key...to most health problems

Adopting a clean diet is the key...

to most health problems

July 25, 2013

By: Gina Yoryet Roman

Sam Simon, Co-Creator of The Simpsons: 

“I want medical experiments on animals stopped. They don't do anything, and they don't work. Veganism is an answer for almost every problem facing the world in terms of hunger and climate change. It helps people's health. Meat is the biggest greenhouse gas producer. There's also the cruelty and suffering aspect. When people do meatless Mondays, and when people adopt instead of buying a dog, that's a PETA victory.”

I just read, ‘Terminally Ill ‘Simpson’s Co-Creator and Philanthropist Vows to Give Away Fortune. Sam Simpson was recently diagnosed with terminal colon cancer. ‘He was given the prognosis of three to six months to live and he will donate nearly all of his sizable Simpsons royalties.’

Simpson is an animal lover who is for PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and is convinced that Veganism is the answer to the majority of hunger and health issues the world currently faces. I’ve seen videos of animal cruelty due to peoples’ demands; animals are tortured to serve us, we eat their meat, women proudly show off their costly brand leather handbags and shoes. Men and women also love to use animal tested products being oblivious to the ordeal these creatures are put through day by day.

According to Simpson, “When people do meatless Mondays, and when people adopt instead of buying a dog, that's a PETA victory.” 

Going a meatless Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and holding on to a clean eating habits is a SELF-VICTORY that involves mental will and power, discipline, strength, INCREDIBLE SELF-CONTROL, conviction, compromise, determination and focus. That triumph firstly impacts ONE, secondly our peers and surroundings, our community, society and the universe. When our world is surrounded with mentally strong, positive and strong individuals, that unsulliedness spreads out all through our at atmosphere. 

100% of the population worldwide faces a daily battle with our internal affairs trying to decide good from bad in every applicable aspect in life. In regards to food matters, unfortunately the yummiest junk is the worst fuel we can integrate into our diet and a great majority of times most of us sadly give in to our guilty pleasures. We savor those frequent moments of tasty glory only to later be struck with guilt because we don’t have the mental power to deny ourselves. 

Having the ability to negate ourselves is the reason why overweight and obesity have become one of the most vital  issues in the entire world. The many channels of help and support can be worthless as long as ONE lacks self-control and mental power. Before we can change the world, change must start within. One may be a very insignificant number but it makes a huge difference which can solve a great number of health-related issues much quicker than we think.

March 2013 statistics according to the World Health Organization: 

Obesity and overweight

Fact sheet N°311
Updated March 2013

Key facts

1. Worldwide obesity has nearly doubled since 1980.
2. In 2008, more than 1.4 billion adults, 20 and older, were overweight. Of these over 200 million men and nearly 300 million women were obese.
3. 35% of adults aged 20 and over were overweight in 2008, and 11% were obese.
4. 65% of the world's population live in countries where overweight and obesity kills more people than underweight.
5. More than 40 million children under the age of five were overweight in 2011.
6. Obesity is preventable.

What are overweight and obesity?

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health.

Body mass index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify overweight and obesity in adults. It is defined as a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of his height in meters (kg/m2).

The WHO definition is:

1. a BMI greater than or equal to 25 is overweight
2. a BMI greater than or equal to 30 is obesity.

BMI provides the most useful population-level measure of overweight and obesity as it is the same for both sexes and for all ages of adults. However, it should be considered a rough guide because it may not correspond to the same degree of fatness in different individuals.

Facts about overweight and obesity

Overweight and obesity are the fifth leading risk for global deaths. At least 2.8 million adults die each year as a result of being overweight or obese. In addition, 44% of the diabetes burden, 23% of the ischaemic heart disease burden and between 7% and 41% of certain cancer burdens are attributable to overweight and obesity.

Some WHO global estimates from 2008 follow.

1. More than 1.4 billion adults, 20 and older, were overweight.
2. Of these overweight adults, over 200 million men and nearly 300 million women were obese.
3. Overall, more than 10% of the world’s adult population was obese.

In 2011, more than 40 million children under the age of five were overweight. Once considered a high-income country problem, overweight and obesity are now on the rise in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in urban settings. More than 30 million overweight children are living in developing countries and 10 million in developed countries.

Overweight and obesity are linked to more deaths worldwide than underweight. For example, 65% of the world's population live in countries where overweight and obesity kill more people than underweight (this includes all high-income and most middle-income countries).

What causes obesity and overweight?

The fundamental cause of obesity and overweight is an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended. Globally, there has been:

1. an increased intake of energy-dense foods that are high in fat; and
2. an increase in physical inactivity due to the increasingly sedentary nature of many forms of work, changing modes of transportation, and increasing urbanization.

Changes in dietary and physical activity patterns are often the result of environmental and societal changes associated with development and lack of supportive policies in sectors such as health, agriculture, transport, urban planning, environment, food processing, distribution, marketing and education.

What are common health consequences of overweight and obesity?

Raised BMI is a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases such as:

1. cardiovascular diseases (mainly heart disease and stroke), which were the leading cause of death in 2008;
2. diabetes;
3. musculoskeletal disorders (especially osteoarthritis - a highly disabling degenerative disease of the joints);
4. some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon).

The risk for these noncommunicable diseases increases, with the increase in BMI.

Childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death and disability in adulthood. But in addition to increased future risks, obese children experience breathing difficulties, increased risk of fractures, hypertension, early markers of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and psychological effects.

Facing a double burden of disease

Many low- and middle-income countries are now facing a "double burden" of disease.

1. While they continue to deal with the problems of infectious disease and under-nutrition, they are experiencing a rapid upsurge in noncommunicable disease risk factors such as obesity and overweight, particularly in urban settings.
2. It is not uncommon to find under-nutrition and obesity existing side-by-side within the same country, the same community and the same household.

Children in low- and middle-income countries are more vulnerable to inadequate pre-natal, infant and young child nutrition At the same time, they are exposed to high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, energy-dense, micronutrient-poor foods, which tend to be lower in cost but also lower in nutrient quality. These dietary patterns in conjunction with lower levels of physical activity, result in sharp increases in childhood obesity while undernutrition issues remain unsolved.

How can overweight and obesity be reduced?

Overweight and obesity, as well as their related noncommunicable diseases, are largely preventable. Supportive environments and communities are fundamental in shaping people’s choices, making the healthier choice of foods and regular physical activity the easiest choice (accessible, available and affordable), and therefore preventing obesity.

At the individual level, people can:

1. limit energy intake from total fats and sugars;
2. increase consumption of fruit and vegetables, as well as legumes, whole grains and nuts;
3. engage in regular physical activity (60 minutes a day for children and 150 minutes per week for adults).

Individual responsibility can only have its full effect where people have access to a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, at the societal level it is important to:

1. support individuals in following the recommendations above, through sustained political commitment and the collaboration of many public and private stakeholders;
2. make regular physical activity and healthier dietary choices available, affordable and easily accessible to all - especially the poorest individuals.

The food industry can play a significant role in promoting healthy diets by:

1. reducing the fat, sugar and salt content of processed foods;
2. ensuring that healthy and nutritious choices are available and affordable to all consumers;
3. practicing responsible marketing especially those aimed at children and teenagers;
4. ensuring the availability of healthy food choices and supporting regular physical activity practice in the workplace.

WHO response

Adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2004, the WHO Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health describes the actions needed to support healthy diets and regular physical activity. The Strategy calls upon all stakeholders to take action at global, regional and local levels to improve diets and physical activity patterns at the population level.

WHO has developed the 2008-2013 Action plan for the global strategy for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases to help the millions who are already affected cope with these lifelong illnesses and prevent secondary complications. This action plan aims to build on, the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and the WHO Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health. The action plan provides a roadmap to establish and strengthen initiatives for the surveillance, prevention and management of NCDs.

The Political Declaration of the High Level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases of September 2011, recognizes the critical importance of reducing the level of exposure of individuals and populations to unhealthy diet and physical inactivity. The political declaration commits to advance the implementation of the WHO Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health, including, where appropriate, through the introduction of policies and actions aimed at promoting healthy diets and increasing physical activity in the entire population.

Sports quotes

Sports quotes

Sports quotes

Original post

July 21st, 2013

“Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up.” - Dean Karnazes (Ultra Marathon Runner)

“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.” – Muhammad Ali 

“If you are afraid of failure you don’t deserve to be successful!” – Charles Barkley (Phoenix Suns)

 “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” – Vince Lombardi (NFL Champion Head Coach)

“Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can’t.” –Jerry Rice (#1 NFL Player Of All Time)

“Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.” – John Wooden ( #1 UCLA Head Coach Of All Time)

“What do you do with a mistake: recognize it, admit it, learn from it, forget it.” - Dean Smith (US Olympic Mens Basketball Coach)

“You are never a loser until you quit trying.” - Mike Ditka (NFL Player & Coach)

“I’ve failed over & over & over again in my life & that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan (#1 NBA Basketball Player Of All Time)

There may be people that have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do. - Derek Jeter (5 x World Series MLB Champion)

“Somewhere behind the athlete you’ve become and the hours of practice and the coaches who have pushed you is a little girl who fell in love with the game and never looked back… play for her.” - Mia Hamm (Women’s World FIFA Soccer Player Of The Year 2001 & 2002)

“If you only ever give 90% in training then you will only ever give 90% when it matters.” –Michael Owen (Liverpool & International Soccer Champion)

“You can’t get much done in life if you only work on the days when you feel good.” – Jerry West (Retired LA Lakers NBA Champion)

“If you train hard, you’ll not only be hard, you’ll be hard to beat.” - Herschel Walker (2 x All Pro NFL Champion & MMA Champion)

“God places the heaviest burden on those who can carry its weight.” – Reggie White (NFL Pro Football Hall Of Famer)

“If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.” – Fred Devito (US #1 Yoga Instructor)

“I’ve got a theory that if you give 100% all of the time, somehow things will work out in the end.” – Larry Bird (Boston Celtics #1 Basketball Champion)

““If you play your heart out for what your jersey says on the front, everyone will remember what the jersey says on the back.” - Miracle (US Mens Hockey Team Film) “

“It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.”  ”Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.” - Babe Ruth (Arguably The Best MLB Player Of All Time)

“I don’t celebrate because I’m only doing my job. When a postman delivers letters, does he celebrate?” – Mario Balotelli (Champion Italian Footballer)

“Procrastination is one of the most common and deadliest of diseases and its toll on success and happiness is heavy.” – Wayne Gretzky (Former NHL Champion Player & Head Coach)