HEART DISEASE: Another silent killer
In the year 2020 COVID-19 caused 345,323 deaths in the U.S. Unfortunately, we have another health issue that is far more deadly, but gets less attention. Heart disease killed 690,882 people in the U.S. during 2020. This more than doubles COVID-19 deaths.
The two most important individual factors for preventing heart disease are exercise and healthy eating habits. At this time 67% of people in the U.S. are either overweight or obese. On average our citizens are 26 pounds heavier today than they were in 1965. Only 21% of our people exercise on a regular basis.
Body and mind work together because aerobic activities increase the amount of oxygen that our blood carries to the brain. This extra oxygen in the brain improves our memory and our ability to make decisions. Yes! Exercise makes you smarter.
Medical problems have been associated with low levels of physical activity that cost American citizens about $117 billion a year. There are a number of ways to improve fitness levels in our country.
The first, most important step in improving physical fitness is to regard exercise as a type of medication that improves both body and mind.
Another step that can be taken to improve overall fitness is for cities to establish biking and walking trails which are readily available to people every day. Several cities have done so.
School districts should teach and implement health and cardio fitness programs in all grades 1-12.
Communities need to be funded for organized fitness centers open to the public and directed by professionals.
CHRIS WELLMAN
Cataldo