Archive for January, 2006

More than 53% of New Yorkers are overweight or obese, lower than the national 63%, but too high for Mayor Bloomberg and Dr. Thomas Freiden, his health commissioner. New Yorkers be glad they have taken this stance. Diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer and the number one killer in NYC, heart disease, are all related to being overweight.

Mayor Bloomberg is focused on improving the health of New Yorkers by launching several plans to make healthier foods and food portions more available in the city. He has pushed for the revamping of school menus, taking fat-laden meals and excess sugar (sodas) off the menu and campuses. Last summer, a campaign was launched against trans-fats. It was found that 30% of the city’s 30,000 eateries were using oils with trans fats spurring the citywide call for an “oil change”. Restaurants are also being asked to look at reducing the excess portion sizes which cause caloric overload. City departments, including the mayor’s administration, are being asked to replace junk foods found in vending machines, cafeterias, and meetings with healthier alternatives. The corner stores (bodegas) are also being asked to include healthier convenient foods, staples such as vegetables and fruit, in their inventory.

In addition to living a healthier lifestyle combining a nutrient-filled diet with daily exercise, Mayor Bloomberg has a great way of keeping himself on task. Every six weeks, both his friend, Peter Graurer, and he have to weigh-in. Whoever is over his goal weight, has to give his weight amount in dollars to a charity. This is being accountable in a meaningful way.

Walking the talk is critical for the integrity of any mission. We all should do the same in our homes. Our children are not motivated by do what I say, not what I do. Lead by example. Follow Mayor Bloomberg’s example for a healthier family during this new year, 2006.

Leaders of cities and town across America, be inspired by Mr. Bloomberg’s dedication to his constituents, to turn the tide of disease. Care about the waistlines of those living in your communities.

Source: Associated Press, January 2006

We speak a lot about the perils of eating too much sugar, too many refined carbohydrates. Here is one more reason to limit sugar in your family’s diet.

“Insulin disappears early and dramatically in Alzheimer’s disease. And many of the unexplained features in Alzheimer’s such a cell death and tangles in the brain appear to be linked to abnormalities in insulin signaling. This demonstrates that the disease is most likely a neuroendocrine disorder, or another type of diabetes.” says researcher Suzanne M. de la Monte, Professor of Pathology at Brown Medical School.

Pay attention to this news for the health of your family and you.

For more information, please go to www.medicalnewstoday.com, one of many sources covering this ground-breaking research.

Due to the recent FDA requirement of labeling trans fatty acids on products, food manufacturers are reducing or removing them. Low-linolenic soybean oil is often being used instead. Many packages in supermarkets boldly display Zero Trans Fats on the front. Yes, removing all hydrogenated trans fats is a huge step forward in the food manufacturing business. However, other artificial additives, such as versions of MSG or the questionable monoglycerides, still remain. Just because the trans fats are out does not make the product healthy for you family. Be careful. Read the ingredient list.

There are many products listed on the Better Foods Grocery List (see www.betterfoodchoices.com, home page under FOOD GUIDE) that never did contain hydrogenated trans fats and are free of artificial additives. Choose them for your family.