OxfordPress.com

By Bill

March 23, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

Having retired ten years ago healthy with weight under control, I’ve since suffered with congestive heart failure. I’ve put on a few extra pounds, but still try to exercise and walk daily. Unfortunately it hasn’t helped as much as I would have hoped. Working all my life to now be disabled, is still hard to understand. But I continue on inspite of those around me that appear to be in worse shape than me with serious health issues. By the way, I quite smoking, twenty six years ago!

By mike

March 21, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

I did not see any dollar breakdown of the health problems in the article but I was encouraged to see that mental illness made the list. As mentioned obesity is a direct cause of diabetes. I feel the stigma of mental illness is a major source of cost within the state and nation. Those with mental illness (depression, bipolar disorder. etc.) are afraid to seek help or admit they are suffering. This results in low productivity, absence from work and school, etc.

By M. Pavelka

March 21, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

When you are healthy, or at least try to take care of yourself in a sane matter, you feel good mentally and physically. Spring is here so the calander says, so why doesn’t a lot of those who complain about not feeling good all the time, get outside, exercise, walk, push away from the sweets, fast food and try to eat more healthy. I am not a doctor, but yes, it does work. Eat healthy, don’t smoke or drink and at least it is a start. There are support groups, and great groups to help.

By KAF

March 21, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates eliminating three risk factors – poor diet, inactivity, and smoking – would prevent:

80% of heart disease and stroke 80% of type 2 diabetes 40% of cancer

By KAF

March 21, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates eliminating three risk factors – poor diet, inactivity, and smoking – would prevent:

80% of heart disease and stroke 80% of type 2 diabetes 40% of cancer

By painfultruth

March 21, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Mark, we’re talking about the COST in dollars. Did you not read the piece prior to posting? If the government can regulate behaviour, it will, and you’ll get just what you deserve!

By nellie

March 21, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

Oh look! Nellie’s back …

By mark

March 21, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

painfultruth - Unlike smoking, being obese doesn’t physically harm the people around them.

By painfultruth

March 21, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

The government should ban fast food and establish legal weight limits for all people. Employers should fire overweight people and they should be denied health care. WHAT? It seems it’s OK to do this with smokers. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Fat people stink; ban them NOW!!!

By dietchick

March 21, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this

I was told I have Type II diabetes and I had to lose weight and exercise, so I did. My blood levels are now normal.