Latoya Young
Staff Writer
The year 2012 has arrived and many people have once again made commitments to improve their lifestyles.
According to a survey conducted by FC Organizational Products LLC, the official consumer products licensee of the FranklinCovey Co. brand, their 2012 New Year’s Resolutions Survey found that respondents’ top three New Year’s resolutions for 2012 are: (1) become more physically fit; (2), improve one’s financial condition; and (3), improve health.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) about 1/3 of the population in the United States is considered obese. Of this 1/3, 35 percent are adult women, 40 percent are adult men, and 17 percent are children.
In its efforts to combat this problem of obesity, the CDC has identified five strategies for reducing and preventing obesity:
1)Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables;
2)Increase physical activity;
3)Increase breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity;
4)Decrease consumption of sugary drinks;
5)Decrease consumption of high-energy-dense food, which are high in calories.
If your goal is not to lose weight but simply to become more health conscious, following the above strategies for a healthy diet can reduce your risk of health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, respiratory problems, and heart disease.
Using the nutritional information provided by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on all food products is another good way to monitor what you are consuming daily.
The CDC also recommends that adults get at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. For students, the Walter Payton Center provides excellent facilities and programs to aid in their quest to lose weight or just stay fit. This increase in physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It can also:
1)Control your weight;
2)Strengthen bones and muscles;
3)Improve mental health and mood;
4)Reduce your risk of some cancers, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes;
5)Improve your ability to do daily tasks;
6)Increase your chances of living longer.
In their efforts to stay fit for the new year, some Jackson State University students tell their fitness plans.
Senior Taneshia Reed said, “I’m going to eat smaller portions multiple times during the day and stop eating when full. Also, I plan to dance more because it takes your mind off exercise.”
Junior Madison Pennamansaid, “I’m not going to eat past a certain time such as 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. I’m also going to take the stairs more.”
Sophomore Corwin Edwards said, “I plan on going to the Walter Payton whenever I have time because I have free access to it.”
