FOR A HEALTHY WORLD
One morning, while listening to the BBC online, I tuned into a special feature program entitled ’Globesity,‘ an in dept look into the problem of obesity around the world and its growing economic and health related cost. Prior to this I had no idea that 1.6 billion people around the globe including Americans were engaged in the same battle. Obesity is a condition in which the natural energy reserve, stored in the fatty tissue of humans and other mammals, is increased to a point whereit is associated with certain negative health conditions or increased mortality. Although considered an individual clinical condition, it is now increasingly viewed as a serious and growing public health problem that links excessive body weight to a predisposition to various diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis. Considering the magnitude and possible repercussions affiliated with the problem, it's good to know that this information and other related data is now available to us as we search for viable solutions.
Denmark, one of the countries leading the fight against the epidemic, has placed a ban on the use of trans fats and awards stiff fines, and in some cases even jail time to food manufacturers found breaking the laws. To encourage more physical activity among its citizens additional bike lanes have been constructed. For the youth, a health conscious approach to the school day has been developed. Between classes teachers can be found encouraging their students with exercises such as jumping jacks, skipping rope and playing other games involving physical activity. Each of these strategic moves not only protects its people but also confirms how seriously this matter has been taken. FULL FEATURE
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