Healthy life-style changes

I believe the most challenging health issue that affects Black

Americans is, to live a healthy life-style which correlates with

making healthy food choices.

The patients I counsel have medical histories such as elevated

blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, elevated blood sugar levels,

and obesity.

Health care is a billion dollar industry and, the excess consumption

of salt and sugar by Americans has a catastrophic affect upon their

health.

In underserved urban communities like Bedford-stuy Brooklyn,

N.Y. where I grew up, there is a lack of healthy food choices in the

existing grocery markets.

I have travelled around the world to Australia, Filippines and the

Carribbean.  During my childhood I spent my summer vacations in

the south, Georgia.

I believe the nucleus to the southern diet is lots of carbohydrates

and the excess animal fat- the pork and beef which leads to high risk for

heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Regardless, where in the world people are festive around food. 

Carbohydrates or white flour foods like white rice seems to be the

nucleus to most diets globally.  It is a contributor to increase

blood sugar levels, abdominal obesity, resulting to risk of diabetes

and heart disease.

In America we are also confronted daily with the food industry selling

processed, fast foods that contain excess sodium and sugar levels

resulting to risk of diabetes and heart disease.

I frequently tell my patients no restaurant will deny an obese customer

to purchase an order of fries, hamburger and a coke.

Yes, it is an American Civil Right that Americans can eat what we

desire but, is the food unhealthy for us. Is the food we consume

maintaining good health or bringing us closer to an early "grave."

Some Americans resent government regulating what foods

Americans should eat.

The reality is eating unhealthy foods that contain high saturated animal

fats, high sodium, high sugar and carbohydrates increases risk

for obesity, strokes, paralysis, heart attack, kidney failure, diabetes,

blindness, amputations and, death.

In sum, my motto is "Invest In A healthier Life-style And, Your Temple

Will Reap The Riches of Wellness."

                                                  Evette Simmons ANP,R.N.,M.S.N.,B.S.N.

                                                  www.invest4wellness.com