Did you know.....

I dont think that it is a big shock to most that in todays society of fast food, playstations and hectic lifestyles that inactivity, poor nutritional habits leads to the rise of obesity.  This is not an individual issue but a community issue.  As stated in the American College of Sports Medicine resource The American Fitness Index, over 66% of american are overweight/obese (BMI of 30+).  

In Missouri alone in 2002 had 23.2% ranked as 

obese by BMI from 11.9% in 1990.  That is an increase of about 51%.  The moral of this story is to exercise... anything is better than nothing.

Here is a graphical view from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.  

Come and Join Us for a Walk!

Starting on August 4th and August 5th there will be walking clubs starting.  Anyone and everyone of all abilities are welcome as well as strollers, pets.

August 4th, Starting at 5pm, walking at West City Park.  Go for 1 or 2 mile walk.  Meet at the Gazebo.  Click here for the link to the flyer 

August 5th, Starting at 5pm, walking at Pevely Park #1.  Go for 30 minute or more walk. 

click the link for the flyer

For more information or questions call Carrie Weatherholt at 636.789.3372 x113 or email at getfitfestus@gmail.com

Expanding in Japan?

Eye opening article from New York Times. Read on...

Japan, Seeking Trim Waists, Measures Millions
By NORIMITSU ONISHI
Published: June 13, 2008
A country not known for obesity has undertaken an ambitious campaign to slim down its citizenry.

Click Here for Link to full article..

SPECIAL EVENT: Zumba in the Park !

This event is taking place at Sunset Park in Festus. The date is Saturday, July 19th and Starts at 11:00am located at the band stand. To participate it is $5 in advance and $7 the day of the event. There will be door prizes like t-shirts and other prizes too! Please contact Vita at 314-600-1518 or vfitchica@yahoo.com for more info or to sign up!

What is Zumba?

Zumba® Fitness is like no other workout you will ever experience!

Zumba® Fitness was created in the mid-90’s by Colombian native Alberto “Beto” Perez, a celebrity fitness trainer and choreographer for International pop superstars. Inspired by the traditional cumbia, salsa, samba and merengue music he grew up with, Beto paired his favorite pulsating Latin rhythms with the red-hot international dance steps his clients loved and Zumba® Fitness (Spanish slang for “to move fast and have fun”) was born.

Here is a quote and a note.

Quote:

"I see at doughnut; I eat a doughnut; I am a doughnut." 

-- Phil Valko, Trailnet.org

Note:  Taking  a web poll and would like your feedback.  Check out the top right corner of the page for the poll. Thanks for your time! --  GFF

Check it out....

Ever wonder where some good walking or running routes are?  Have a good one you would want others to know about?  Do you get tired of taking a new route then getting back and  getting in your car and driving it to find out the EXACT distance?  Here is cool website to check out.

USA Track and Field, Americas Running Routes

American Heart Association News Release!

Population-based approach needed to reduce obesity in United States

Statement Highlights:
• Population-wide approaches are key for preventing obesity.
• Preventing excess weight gain needs to be easier, more socially acceptable and personally rewarding for the average person.
• A broad range of policy and environmental change strategies must target the spectrum of influences on food access and intake and physical activity.

DALLAS, June 30 — A comprehensive, population-based strategy is needed to reduce the alarming prevalence of obesity in the United States, according to a new American Heart Association scientific statement published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

“Population-Based Prevention of Obesity” recommends an approach that would complement individually-oriented strategies, including clinic-based prevention and treatment programs. According to the statement, a broad range of policy and environmental strategies (at the local, state and federal levels) can help people adopt healthy behaviors, such as being physically active and eating right.

read more...... 

A few words about heart disease

I came across this on another blog that I frequently get updates from (Corporate Fitness and Wellness Today). Following the tragic passing of Tim Russert and George Carlin, The Chaphill School of medicine at the University of North Carolina put this out in memory of George Carlin. Read on....

7 dirty words about heart disease
• Diet – fat, sugar and foods high in cholesterol are known to contribute to heart disease; diabetes (also diet related) also damages the heart and blood vessels.

• Genetics – African Americans, Hispanics, native Americans all have higher rates of high blood pressure and heart disease

• Stress – working too much, dramatic personal lives, worrying, depression; also feeding stress with too much alcohol and other drugs (Carlin reportedly went through drug and alcohol rehab in 2004)

• Smoking – constricts blood vessels and strains the heart and lungs

• Inactivity – the heart is a muscle that needs to be exercised; even moderate activity is helpful, and losing 10 pounds can reduce your cardiac risk

• High blood pressure – leads to undue stress on a variety of organs, including the heart; combined with other risk factors it increases the chance of a heart attack many times

• Denial – saying “it won’t happen to me,” without changing your lifestyle, guarantees you won’t see a decrease in your risk

Courtesy of the Carolina Cardiovascular Biology Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine.