What in the heck is the reason for this post? OK, so I went to a buffet-style restuarant for lunch today...not my first choice in fine-dining, but they did have a reasonable selection of healthy choices on the line. I was AMAZED by all of the obese people in the place. I would venture to say the ratio in that particular restuarant was more like 1 in 4 was in a safe weight range and in good (or at least decent) health. Several of the couples in the joint had their fat children with them, shoveling food in their face like it was their last meal.
It was like the cattle had come home to graze. I was both angry and sad at the same time. I see so many Blackhawk Fitness Boot Camp Cadets here in Wichita striving SO HARD to keep their weight under control and take their lives back...and here were two or so dozen people hell bent on getting as fat as they possibly can. I swear, one lady went up to the trough 5 times, getting a full plate each time...perhaps not FULL on the last, desert plate but close enough.
It's really a sad day today. I'd really enjoy hearing back from people on what they think we can all do together to combat the obesity problem we are all facing...and I say "ALL" because I truly mean that. Do you know that people considered obese generally take an additional two to four sick days per year? The average medical visit is 40% higher for an obese person...and survivable conditions like heart bypass surgury are at least five times more likely with an obese person. If you are working, you are paying for this increased cost through your insurance premiums.
One last little tidbit: Every single dollar invested in some sort of health and wellness program sees a return of THREE dollars to the company doing the investing. This money is made back in the form of fewer sick days, fewer doctor visits, and a more energetic and productive staff.
Can you really AFFORD not to do something about this?
