“Stay in shape, eat right and live well,” is a motto that everyone should take to heart every day of their lives. The Kern County Public Health held its first annual Obesity Summit at the Bakersfield Marriot on April 30. “The idea of this summit is a call to action and to build a foundation for a healthy Kern County,” said Diane Lungross, a speaker at the expo.
This year’s annual obesity report gives the United States an “F” for its efforts to get healthier. Since last year’s report, obesity got worse in 31 states, and the other 19 states did nothing to improve. “This report is a devastating indictment. We are still treating obesity like a mere inconvenience rather than the emergency it is,” said Dr. James S. Marks, director of the health group at the Robert Wood foundation. According to Marks, no one is exercising, they are eating fatty foods and zoning out in front of the TV instead of going for a walk and eating better. The right amount of vegetables and fruits every day makes all the difference.
The keynote speaker of this year’s expo was Gwen Foster, the “Health Czar,” who challenged the city of Philadelphia to lose 76 tons of weight in 76 days. In the year 2000, Philadelphia was ranked the fattest and most unfit city in the nation. She challenged the city, and by January 2008, Philadelphia was ranked one of the ten fittest cities.
“I wanted to throw the gauntlet down for Philadelphia to see if they could do it, and they did greatly,” said Foster.
Around 150 doctors, nurses and medical personnel from Kern County showed up to the first annual obese summit.
“I came here to find out how to eat healthy and stay in shape,” said Bruce Tamino, a local resident. “I was concerned about the swine flu. I wanted to know how to prevent it,” said Joann Huff, a nurse at San Joaquin Hospital. The main focus was childhood obesity and the swine flu and also how to stay fit and in shape. “Faulty genes may load the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger,” said Foster.
She said the most important thing to know about staying in shape is balancing fruits, vegetables and grains.
Also cut out all the transfats and sugars in one’s diet will help a lot with weight and energy levels. Drinking water is also essential for the body. Drink at least eight glasses a day. When asked about the swine flu, Foster gave some good tips on how to prevent it from occurring.
“Wash your hands frequently with hot water and soap, always cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough and it wouldn’t hurt to get your flu shot,” said Foster.
“I think this first annual summit was a good success. We definitely got the word around the community about obesity and the swine flu. I’m sure next year’s summit will be even better,” said Foster.