Examining our nation’s problem with obesity

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September 4, 2012

Examining our nation’s problem with obesity

Liz Jones Herald-Banner Staff The Zope Gazette Tue Sep 04, 2012, 03:33 PM CDT

ROCKWALL — September is National Obesity Month. Our nation and our state have a growing obesity problem in adults and in our children. Twenty-seven percent of adults in Rockwall County are obese, 29 percent in Texas overall. This compares to the national average of 25 percent, which is a horrendous fact in itself.

Fast food is a part of most people’s daily lives; hours in front of the television, depression and lack of motivation keep many people from being at a healthy weight. There are so many factors that have created this epidemic in our country. It is part of my personal mission in life to have an impact on people in a holistic way, creating programming and helping people to address their barriers and overcome their doubts and fears to achieve healthy body, mind, and spirit.

Currently we are working on developing programming to help children and families who are at risk of obesity, as well as fitness programming to give anyone who needs to shake things up and get a kick start toward being more fit.

In honor of National Obesity Month, the Rockwall YMCA will hold an “open house” week the week of Sept. 8. If you want to come try the YMCA or bring a friend for free, you will receive a seven-day guest pass and get to try out our group exercise classes, the weight room and cardio room, the pool and everyone who brings this article along with them will get their name entered in a drawing for a prize that includes one hour of group personal training at the Y and lunch with me for you and your guest. This is open to current members who bring a friend, as well as those who are not yet members at the Y.

Liz Jones is the Membership & Wellness Director at Rockwall Family YMCA, located at 1210 N. Goliad in Rockwall. She can be reached at 972-772-9622.

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