Forget about global warming. The biggest man-made problem facing Americans – that is, the biggest problem we can do something about – may be obesity.
New predictions released by the Trust for America’s Health on Tuesday suggest that in 39 states, more than 50 percent of the population will be obese by the year 2030. We’re not talking about people who need to lose a few pounds so they can fit into clothes they wore 20 years ago. The definition of obesity may vary, but basically it includes every who is 30 or more pounds overweight.
  The dangers are commonly known, so we picked a search engine and went to website MedicineNet.com, which says obesity can lead to: Type 2 diabetes; high blood pressure; stroke; heart attack; heart failure; certain forms of cancer; gallstones and gall bladder disease; gout and gouty arthritis; osteoarthritis; sleep apnea and Pickwickian syndrome.
The good news is, the research by the Trust for America’s Health is debatable. (Some sources believe the obesity rate in the United States is holding steady.) Even better news is the fact that we really can do something about it, with increased activity and healthier eating.
This Sunday, Sept. 30, the Seventh-Day Adventist Church and the Great Bend Spine Clinic are sponsoring an event called Let’s Move. People can go to the church from 9-10 a.m. to register for walks, runs or a bicycling outing, and these start at 10 a.m. at the Great Bend Trail, located just across the street from the church, which is one mile west of 10th St. and Patton Road. There is no charge to participate in a two-mile walk, three-mile or five-mile run, or cycling on a 10- or 20-mile route, but if you want to commemorate the event there may be some T-shirts for sale.
Opportunities to increase activity and eat better are all around us, whether you prefer outdoor group activities or choose to work out alone. Do it now, and maybe you’ll still be around in 2030, one of a healthy minority.