A poll of more than 1,000 people commissioned by Cancer Research in UK showed that four out of five people are not doing enough exercise to stay healthy, and one in four do not exercise at all. Only on in five people meet the government recommended levels, this means exercising five times a week for atleast 30 minutes. This situation has become so bad that we could be losing lots of years of our lives through increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke according to the book (Our Greatest Threats: Live Longer, Live Better by William Muir Manger.)
Coronary artery disease is a condition where fatty deposits build-up in the arteries tht supply the heart muscle. These plaques form commonly in a condition called atherosclerosis. Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease. About 7 million Americans suffer from coronary heart disease and 500,000 Americans die form it each year. It is much more common in older people and in males.
A stroke is a sudden interruption in the blood supply of the brain. Most strokes are caused by an abrupt blockage of arteries leading to the brain. Because stroke occurs rapidly and requires immediate treatment, stroke is also called a brain attack. Stroke has many consequences, including death. The effects of a stroke depend on which part of the brain is injured, and how severely it is injured. Strokes may cause sudden weakness, loss of sensation, or difficulty with speaking, seeing, or walking. Since different parts of the brain control different areas and functions, it is usually the area immediately surrounding the stroke that is affected. Sometimes people with stroke have a headache, but stroke can also be completely painless. According to the book (Freedom of Disease by Morgan Kash), we can greatly reduce the risk of getting coronary heart disease and stroke by exercising, which reduces the plaque composed of cholesterol and fat that build up on the inner wall of the coronary arteries.
Our Greatest Threats: Live Longer, Live Better by William Muir Manger
Freedom of Disease by Morgan Kash
America is moving in the right direction with increase awareness and education. It may be to late for many of the adults, but we should be able to save the children from a life of overweight and illness. Until we change the lifestyle of fast food and fast pace, we will continue to see the obesity increase in this country, regardless of the effort to stop it.
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