April 7, 2009

Knowing your “ACE in the Whole” in the game of life

 Building a strong foundation to avoid gambling with your health  

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Celebrating National Public Health Week, the Illinois Department of Public Health wants to teach all Illinoisans how to have an “ACE in the whole” for leading a healthy life.

“ACE – activity, check-ups and eating healthy. Making sure you stay active by walking, biking or some other physical activity; getting regular check-ups from your doctor; and eating healthy help you achieve whole body health. In the game of life, you don’t want to gamble with your health. Your ace in the hole, or winning card, to help you win the game and live a longer, healthier life is activity, check-ups and eating healthy,” said Dr. Damon T. Arnold, state public health director.

This year’s theme for National Public Health Week is “Building the Foundation for a Healthy America.” According to the American Public Health Association, although we spend more on health care than any other nation, our nation is falling behind in many important measures of what it means to be healthy:

• U.S. life expectancy has reached a record high of 78.1 years but still ranks 46th - behind Japan and most of Europe, as well as countries such as Guam, South Korea and Jordan.
  
  
• We’re among the top 10 countries that have the most people with HIV/AIDS, and it is estimated that one in 20 residents in the nation’s capital are HIV-positive.
  
  
• Disparities persist with ethnic minority populations having nearly eight times the death rate for key health conditions, such as diabetes, than that of non-minority populations.

“Three important building blocks in the foundation for a healthier America include physical activity, healthy eating and getting regular check-ups,” said Dr. Arnold.

The recently released Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend at least two and a half hours of physical activity ever week.

Physical activity helps to:

• Maintain weight.
• Reduce high blood pressure.
• Reduce risk for type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and several forms of cancer.
• Reduce arthritis pain and associated disability.
• Reduce risk for osteoporosis and falls.
• Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

The same diseases can also be brought on by poor eating habits. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a healthy eating plan:

• Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products.
• Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts.
• Is low in saturated fats, trans-fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars.
• Stays within your daily calorie needs.