Wonder if there is any correlation between the state of our nation’s health, health care funding, and the lack of attention to modifiable behaviors?
Dr. Dana E King, a professor of Family medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, reviewed and compared 2 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, one from 2001-2006 and the other 1988-1994. Participants are middle aged males and females.
- Smoking decreased from 27% to 26%
- Moderate drinking increased from 40% to 51%
- Obesity rate increased from from 28% to 36%
- Americans eating 5 fruits and vegies a day decreased from 42% to 26%
Dr. King suggests that fruits and vegetables are the markers for a healthy diet. “Not eating them is reflective of a decline in diet over 18 years.”
More evidence for the need to encourage wellness strategies in favor of pharmaceuticals.
