© 2003, Rotary Club of Charleston

P.O. Box 21029
Charleston, SC 29413-1029

Club secretary:
Carroll Schweers
chasrot@comcast.net

We are a fat, at-risk society, speakers claim
Small lifestyle changes can decrease health risks

MARCH 16, 2004 - The bad news, according to Dr. Pam Morris is that we live in a state that has the number one death rate for stroke and the number three death rate for overall cardiovascular disease in the entire nation. The good news is that most of the leading causes of these deaths are preventable. Morris, along with Dr. Pat O'Neil, spoke to Rotarians about steps we can each take to reduce such risks and improve our overall health.

Morris spoke of a three step process: (1) identify your risks (such as a family history of cancer or hypertension or a personal weight problem); (2) identify the disease at its earliest stage (most diseases are long-standing before they become symptomatic); and (3) work towards prevention. "Prevention works," said Morris.

Both Morris and O'Neil spoke about weight control as a preventative tool, and they provided charts that help to calculate one's body mass index and determine one's current health risk. They agreed that there is a tremendous obesity epidemic in this country. The number of obese individuals has doubled since the late 1970s, said O'Neil, and all body organ systems are impacted by obesity. Decreasing one's body weight by even 10% can make big differences in one's health and decrease the risk of stroke.

O'Neil spoke about the "ABCD" plan. First, one should increase Activity by exercising at least 30 minutes per day. Second, one should modify Behavior by monitoring weight on a scale and recording food intake. Third, one should make Cognitive lifestyle changes that encourage healthier behavior. Finally, one must make Dietary changes. If you can cut an extra 100 calories every day, you can lose 10 pounds by year end, claimed O'Neil. Both speakers said that it is crucial to not only watch calories but also eat a balanced diet. For the sake of one's health, said O'Neil, "if you cannot make big changes, make small ones."

In other business…

John Orvin gave the invocation and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Rob Keener welcomed our guests and visiting Rotarians. Ellen Jackson offered Health and Happiness. Madeleine McGee introduced our guest speakers, Drs. Pam Morris and Pat O'Neil.

-- Amy Jenkins