Pop Quiz: What's your state body fat percentage?

We're getting a big fat F in health, ya'll.  Emphasis on, "fat."

A recent report from the Trust for America's Health has some sobering data about our national health. Try this on for (plus) size:

• 12 states now have obesity rates over 30% (that's 11 more than four years ago, btw).
• Colorado has the lowest obesity rate in the nation...and that prize is only because they're under 25%.
• Diabetes rates have doubled in eight states, and hypertension has increased in every single state.

Click here to read the full report, check the stats for your state, and learn about recommendations made for changing this scary trend.

This news is like a knife in my heart. I know there are resources out there to help spread knowledge and provide education about living healthier lives because some of you have shared your local champions with me.  A few examples:

Feeding South Florida, a mobile food pantry that travels the streets of South Florida to help end hunger and poor nutrition.  Thanks to Ellen for this resource!

Mississippi in Motion, a 12-week fitness program sponsored by the Mississippi State University Extension Office

Whole Child Leon, an online community designed to help let children thrive in their health. They created the 95210 philosophy, which I adopted into my family in June.

These are three examples of communities taking back their health, but I want more. Send them to me, and I will compile them so we can refer our friends, neighbors, and community leaders to outlets near them that can help.

The only people who really change the world are those who are just crazy enough to believe they can. Let change start with us. Leave me a comment with a link to a local resource working to end obesity in your community. Please, let's make change happen!

Get out there and get healthy!

Sabotage City On the MOVE!



Mississippi in Motion is a 12-week program
focused on healthier lifestyles.

 On Monday I lamented about my frustration after a visit to what I call a "sabotage city": a place where even with education about how to live a healthy lifestyle, lack of access to a variety of healthy food products sabotages its residents and keeps them locked down in a cycle of obesity and disease.

Then, yesterday I saw this video on Twitter.  It shares the news of a health campaign called Mississippi in Motion, which aims to increase the health of Mississippi residents through education and events around the state to promote wellness.  If you're a Mississippi resident, as many of my close friends are, please check it out!

And if you don't live in Mississippi, send it to someone who does or someone who knows someone who does. 

Sabotage Cities are everywhere, and I know this is only a drop in the bucket in what we can do about them, but it's better than what I had on Monday!

Please share this!

Good day!