55% OF MASS RESIDENTS OVERWEIGHT--A-C-S TAKES ACTION
Thursday, May 15, 2008
The American Cancer Society will launch the Great American Get Active Challenge, a program designed to challenge Americans to become physically active to reduce their risk of cancer. Research has shown that exercise and proper nutrition decreases one’s chances of getting cancer. According to the CDC, 55.5% of people in Massachusetts are clinically obese or overweight. In addition, only 53% of people in the state participate in any kind of moderate physical activity, plus some others who do what would be considered "vigorous" physical activities like running.
The Get Active Challenge will provide new tools and resources to help participants attain their health and fitness goals with on-line personalized programs to make it easy to track their progress, such as checking their Body Mass Index, ways to make physical activity part of their daily routine and tips. Colleen Doyle, the Director of Nutrition for the American Cancer Society tells WHYN NEWS walking a bit more to and from parking spaces...or taking the stairs untilt instead of the elevator may be a start. The Society suggests 30 minutes of activity at least five times a week as a start.
Here is the link to the American Cancer Society site with information as to how you can get started:

CANCER.ORG

Time to start raising taxes and health insurance premiums on these unhealthy lifestyles.