Time For Change.

So, Obesity.  I hadn't given it much thought before - I knew it was a health concern in this country, but I had never quite realised the extent.  When it comes to the problem in America, I thought it was a bit of a stereotype - Y'know, it ain't that bad...It's gotta be a problem in other countries, riiiight?

So then I went to Great Britain and met these two awesome guys and one of the first things that came up in conversation was about how unhealthy and overweight America is [Apparently I didn't look like an American because I'm a healthy weight].  It hit me hard, even if they were just joking around, because, I mean, if that's what our country is best known for, something needs to change.

SO, last night, we were watching the show "The Biggest Loser," which is a really awesome show - It's amazing how determined these people are to get healthy and save their lives - Extremely motivational.  But one of the first things the trainers of the show tell us is that one-third of America is obese.

ONE. THIRD.

One third of our country are really at risk for their lives.  It's more sad than I ever imagined.  I honestly don't know what needs to happen to make that change. I think a lot of people are making steps - Things like "The Biggest Loser" may actually be a step toward change because of its motivational effects.  But what causes it in the first place? I'm sure there are a lot of reasons that differ by the situation, but I at least have a few theories...

I think, after living in England for a while and seeing how those people live every day, a lot of it is just America's obsession with cars.  Nobody walks anywhere.  Even outside of London, I saw people walking everywhere and when they weren't walking, they were taking the bus, the train, or the underground.  Our public transport around here sucks, to put it simply.  Nobody trusts the RIPTA, for example - It takes forever to get anywhere. I know in Connecticut, a bus is something I rarely, rarely see, and even when I do, it's only in cities.  Driving is literally my only option where I live and yet, when I was around Minehead UK, amidst a widespread national park, there were still buses going all over the place regularly with friendly, helpful people driving them.  Something needs to be figured out.

Then, of course, there's the fast food.  It's so much harder to find healthy food here that isn't crazy-expensive or slow.  Except Subway, basically.  Even the Starbucks in England have healthier food!  The grocery stores are very different - There isn't really a snack aisle. Their crisps are kettle style and nothing like our Lays, et cetera. Their most popular cookies tend to be oaty HobNobs and Digestives. The soda selection is minute. The fruits n veggies section took up half of my closest Sainsburys. Maybe people here just don't know how to find or make healthy food - Who knows. But there's a way.

Well, folks, that was some essay there. I could go on. I'm surprised I won't. But I felt motivated. I refuse to ever be a part of that one third and I hope we'll find a way soon to have everyone else in this country saying the same. I'm not saying that everyone should be stick skinny - Hell, I'm certainly not that. But if you just treat your body well, it should be the body it's meant to be, whether it's shapely or boney or whatnot. But, we're all saying it lately: Time For Change.  Well, in the spirit of that, I say CHOOSE HEALTH.