Proper Nutrition and Physical Activity… the REAL Lifesavers Proper Nutrition and Physical Activity… The real lifesavers 1

Hey you! Reduce Your Risk! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention… You can reduce your risk of chronic diseases like cancer, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke just by making healthy nutrition choices and staying physically ACTIVE! 2

Oh Yeah… Prove It! Overweight and obesity, influenced by physical inactivity and poor diet, are significantly associated with an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, arthritis, and poor health status. 13% of high school students are obese (CDC, 2011) Physical inactivity increases the risk of dying prematurely, dying of heart disease, and developing diabetes, colon cancer, and high blood pressure. CDC, 2008 and 2011 3

Want more? People who are overweight or obese increase their risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis-related disabilities, and some cancers. Not getting an adequate amount of exercise is associated with needing more medication, visiting a physician more often, and being hospitalized more. The direct medical costs associated with physical inactivity was nearly $76 billion in 2000 . --CDC 6

More of the Facts… More than 90 million Americans live with chronic illnesses.  Chronic diseases account for 70% of all deaths in the United States.  Poor diet and physical inactivity lead to 300,000 deaths each year—second only to tobacco use. 5

Or, how about this… Healthy eating is associated with reduced risk for many diseases, including the three leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, and stroke. 8% of NC high school students did not eat fruit or drink fruit juices in the past week during the seven days before the survey 8% of NC high school students did not eat vegetables during the seven days before the survey 14% drank a can, bottle or glass of soda three or more times per day during the seven days before the survey --CDC, Division of Adolescent and School Health, NC Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2011 4

And this… Heart healthy diets are lower in total calories, with less saturated fats, salt, and meat. People who eat lots of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy products, fish and poultry have less heart disease, cancer and diabetes. CDC, 2003 7

Or This… 2011 NC HS Youth Risk Behavior Survey: 15% of NC students did not participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity on any day 74% did not attend PE classes in an average week when they were in school 74% did not attend PE classes 5 days in an average week when they were in school 35% watched television 3 or more hours per day on an average school day 28% used computers 3 or more hours per day on an average school day (not including school work)

And This…. Aerobic activity (cardio) most days of the week reduces the risks for obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and stroke Physical activity also reduces the risk of some cancers Load bearing exercises (walking) reduces chances of osteoporosis and fractures Walkers have fewer colds, less pneumonia and influenza Alzheimer’s Disease may be slowed by exercise

And… Moderate activity (Example: 30 minutes of walking five days a week) has significant health benefits SO….Get Moving!

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 1990, 2000, 2010 (*BMI 30, or about 30 lbs. overweight for 5’4” person) 1990 2000 2010 No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% 20%–24% 25%–29% ≥30% Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, CDC

Are you kidding me? CDC, 2003 10

Some Wise words to follow… “The function of protecting and developing health must rank even above that of restoring it when it is impaired.” -Hippocrates 11