As those of us in the United States roll toward turkey day tomorrow (and you’re still fortunate enough to be able to afford to provide even a meager dinner at best), here’s something to think about… It concerns the health and welfare of our country in particular, especially with the health care reform debate raging.

First do you honestly know what the term obesity means? Not just “hey fat guy!” but the percentage of your own body and its fat and whether or not the term applies (shockingly perhaps) to you or not?

Do you know the exact number at which you tip out of “being overweight” into being “obese?” If you don’t, use the last link in this post to find out.

Here’s what inspired this post… what I learned last night watching, yes, The Biggest Loser:

o 97 BILLION dollars is spent annually on cancer research

o 147 BILLION dollars is spent annually treating the obese and obesity-related illnesses

o 1 in 3 kids in this country is already obese

o On average, an obese person is paid $7,000 a year LESS than his or her co-worker because that person costs more to insure

o Eating just one meal at home every day (healthy choices!) saves a family approximately $8700 a year.

o The obese pay often 1000s of dollars more for health coverage and life insurance – there’s money leaking out of your bank account right there

o Healthy choices at the grocery store versus junk food choices can save you 1000s of dollars a year and, of course, your health

o  Unfortunately, we all end up paying even if the shoe doesn’t fit (sorry that isn’t “mean” it’s true) – and part of our out-of-control medical situation is a reflection of these figures.

Now let’s consider this… with all sides in Washington (and across the country) in an uproar about their view of their interpretation of their precious “health reform bill” (don’t think for a minute you’re going to benefit either way soon, that’s not how things work, it never has, and we all know it), along with how much for this and that, who’s going to lose out, who should or should not be allowed this and that (and this is a “free” country?), perhaps We the People could take a more proactive role in maintaining our own health.

Read those first two bullets again and tell me you don’t think there’s something really amiss there. Responsibility starts with oneself and one’s willingness to take charge of your life.

I’ve put it up before and I’ll do it again. Having lost, and I am keeping off, 30 pounds just by using the women’s formula (men can find their formula there, too) AND writing down everything that goes in my mouth – keeping honest to goodness records, I can with all honesty tell you that counting calories is the ONLY WAY you will lose weight. Counting them for the rest of your life. And, it’s not a chore. In fact, it’s an educational experience we ALL need to learn and use.

I’ve tried every “diet” you can think of… Yet, it is by knowing (alone!) how many calories a person my age, height, and gender needs to exist (and yes I have fun, I have chocolate LOL!), and sticking within that number is the only thing that works and is continuing to work. And it’s been over a year since I lost those 30 pounds and they will stay off. In fact, I just recently broke down and bought a pair of jeans (on sale). A size 2.

It is our choices that determine who and what we are – and your choices can start this very moment. Yes, even in the middle of the day (wherever you may be), right now in front of TV, as you wake up and get your day rolling.

You just need to calculate, use, write down, and stick to the number you’ll discover using the link above. Personally I not only figured out (a year ago) how many calories at my then weight, but I also figured – in 5 pound increments – down to where I wanted and needed to be. I used the “less 5 pound rule” and lost the weight.

At that time, I wasn’t even aware that I had a high cholesterol problem. I’d never had a problem before and had no reason to think anything different… but I was wrong. Taking the weight off, using natural products like garlic, lecithin, and fish oil – not prescription drugs (another huge savings!) – and just taking a walk every now and then have done the trick.

Do not tell me “I can’t” or “I’ve tried” or fill in the blank yourself, because you can if you’re truly willing TO do it.

So tomorrow… Thanksgiving Day….

You will find yourself with choices – typically tons and tons of choices – so consider the 360 calories per slice pumpkin pie (1/5th of a store bought). Sure you want it, but should you have it? Might it not be smarter, wiser to load up a HUGE plate with salad fixings, including small amounts of salad dressing – AND BE FULL – for less than 1/3 the calories?

We make excuses and reasons to over eat and/or eat all the wrong stuff throughout the year. Does tomorrow make it “okay” to be unhealthy? Is it okay to contribute to the health care problem in this country because we don’t or won’t take personal responsibility for ourselves? Are you setting a good example for your kids, your sister, your aunt, uncle, cousin?

Eating right and doing our part to lower the cost of the medical problems in this country should not be seen as a sacrifice, but as your god-given right to good health and live a happy, hopefully longer (not claiming to be god here), and more productive life.

While you celebrate tomorrow – and I do mean Happy Thanksgiving! – keep these figures in mind.

And… as you read and/or listen to the idiots in Washington determining yeah or nay on your benefits and fate, remember you can make a difference, starting at home (if you’re lucky enough to still have one) for yourself and your loved ones.

Sincerely, have a Happy, Healthy, Smart Thanksgiving!

For the clinical definition of obesity, click here

Tags: being overweight, biggest loser, billion dollars, cancer research, exact number, food choices, health care reform, health coverage, healthy choices, obese person, obesity, precious health, proactive role, reform debate

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 at 3:27 pm and is filed under Awareness, addiction, health care reform, healthy, medical costs, obesity. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.