Page 79 - Book5E

America’s collective waistline has increased, the girth of our col- lective wallet has decreased as a result. With more than half of all Americans overweight, we’re a nation of people who are less able to do things for ourselves. Not just small things, like wash- ing your car, mowing the lawn, or cleaning your own house, but major lifetime expenses, like being physically able to care for an aging family member or undertake a major home repair project on your own. And, the more things you do for yourself, generally the healthier (not just wealthier) you become.
Where Are You on the Food Chain?
It is ironic that although we are supposed to be tightening our belts during tough economic times, that our waistlines may actually be get- ting bigger and bigger. According to JoNel Aleccia, health writer for msnbc.com, health researchers say that tight budgets tend to lead to weight gain as consumers seek cheap-but-filling calories. Food prices are expected to jump by at least 4% this year. Prices for vegetables, fruits, and grains are going up while the price of junk food is coming down. Consumers turn to cheaper, less healthful choices as they deal with falling income. There are deals all the time for 99-cent burgers and other dollar-menu items. If people have to feed a family, they may look for these low-cost foods. They're filling, but low in nutritional value. Not everyone agrees, though, that hard times have to affect a
Protect Your Health
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