Junk Food Junkie, Not!

I live in an absolutely great state. Seriously, I love it here in Minnesota. I also live in a section of Minnesota dubiously titled "Med City." I never in my wildest dreams as a young rebel listening to the Sex Pistols and the Clash and shouting "Anarchy" whenever the opportunity presented itself would imagine that access to stellar healthcare would be a decision in my choice of where to live. However, not only did this influence my decision, I also became a part of the healthcare industry. So, aside from my love of music and horror movies, I also add a love of medically-related things. How random is that?

So, I listen to the news and hear that my great state no longer holds the distinction of being the healthiest state in America. What? The state where one of the most widely recognized and esteemed healthcare facilities calls home?

Apparently, in the 2007 study of America's health rankings, there was a decline overall in the health of the entire nation, and this was in spite of supposed progress made in several key health indicators. This report was submitted by the United Health Foundation, the American Public Health Association, and the Partnership for Prevention.

So, before I offer a wee bit of advice for our decline and how we can become healthier again (and this applies to all states), let me offer a few more startling statistics. First of all, Minnesota is now No. 2 in the rankings overshadowed by Vermont and followed by Hawaii. The least healthiest states are Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas. Although reduction in rates of cancer and cardiovascular mortality has occurred, it is overshadowed by increases in obesity, more uninsured Americans, and risky health behaviors. Further, in the last six years, our health as a populous has "stagnated." Citing said report, increases in obesity (from 11.6% in 1990 to 25% today, roughly 55 million Americans classified as obese) and a "persistent lack of progress in key health measures," such as smoking, violent crime, and children in poverty have contributed to our stagnation.

I'm doing my part to try to get Minnesota back to the No. 1 slot and trying to become a healthier American. I do have a wonderful gym membership, and I am now going. I must admit, I do smoke; but I'm working on that as well (baby steps, please. I'm not perfect). I do not, however, ever smoke at work. That is weird, because sometimes my work shifts are very long; and not once do I crave nicotine. So, why don't I just quit if I can go that long? Well, going without for 12 hours as opposed to FOREVER is a big step, give me some time. The other thing that helps is that where I work is pretty much a smoke-free zone, of course, it's a medical facility. One of the other major reasons, as well, is the fact that it does not promote a healthy image to the patients who visit our facility. You don't want to see the physician who is going to treat you and tell you what you need to do to become healthier smoking a ciggie outside. I'm all for these reasons. I wholly support the logic. Plus, you can get into a smite bit of trouble as an employee if you are caught smoking on the grounds (that might be the biggest reason I have, sorry).

So, let's go one step further in this logic. We all know the concerns regarding the high rates of obesity in our country today. Additionally, obesity (as well as the risky behavior of smoking) is associated with a poor quality of life, chronic disease, compromised productivity in the workplace, and with an escalation in healthcare costs related to managing chronic illnesses. So, I propose that if you ban smoking in the workplace to promote wellness which in turn could decrease the rate of chronic illness and the costs associated with lost work time, decreased productivity, etc., you should also ban junk food. There, I said it. I know we don't want people telling us how to live our lives (especially our employers), and we shouldn't have government stepping in to try to manage ALL of our societal problems; but I'm not saying you couldn't have that Twinkie when you got home; and if you don't want to go to a gym or try to quit smoking or what not---then don't. Live your life the way you want. However, when I go to work, and I hear about fellow employees asking for a separate coat room for the smokers because of the smell and secondhand smoke; I just need to say something as well. Okay, yes, I agree with you the smell is bad; and I'll put my coat in a separate coat room for you. I'm respectful like that. I'm not lighting up around you and blowing it in your face, so I don't think you need to worry about secondhand smoke (and I am aware of the risks involved in secondhand smoke, don't preach to me about it. I get it). But, please, don't tell me how unhealthy my behavior is when you weigh like 300 pounds and then become incensed when I mention that maybe that piece of cake the size of Rhode Island wouldn't be the best dietary choice for you.

If employers want healthy employees and to promote healthy habits, get rid of the crap you have in your vending machines and that you serve in your cafeterias; and if you do adopt healthier foods, lower the costs. Why is it that I can go to McDonald's and pretty much order half the menu for $10, yet if I go somewhere nice to have a good, healthy meal I'm practically spending half my paycheck for one dinner? Believe me, the costs you'll save in insurance, etc., will more than make up for the costs you invest in better food choices. I can't tell you how many times I've gone into the cafeteria and watched other emplyoees in there whose weight could be classifed in the obese to morbidly obese range eating crappy food and in extremely large portions. So, then, why do these same employees grump about how unhealthy my habit is and I should quit and I'm going to get cancer and give everybody else cancer; but yet, find nothing wrong with their extremely unhealthy and equally risky behaviors. Let's help them along like you were able to help me (by banning smoking) and ban the junk food!

And for America, why do you wonder why the proportion of Americans that potentially fall into the obese range are mostly poor? Well, junk food is cheap, healthy foods are not. Gym memberships are not cheap. Insurance is not cheap. Just something to think about. Whoa, this is long.

That's my two pence worth. I'm outta here...