“ABDOMINAL REALITY CHECK”

If you are like me, our home is a refuge, a sanctuary that affords us the opportunity to rest, relax, spend times with family and friends, enjoy a meal and/or perform other essential activities that enhance the overall quality and well being of our. Whether we reside in a home, apartment, or room, we place a high value on our living quarters. As a result, many Americans spend countless hours, and invest millions to repair, clean, and maintain the property value of our home. It brings us a measure of comfort and pride when we return from work or school and the trash in outside, the aroma is refreshing and everything is in the places we desire.

The opposite effect holds true if our home is damaged, dirty, and/or full of clutter. If this is true of our living quarters, why should it be any different when it comes to our body, particularly our core or abdominal health? Granted, from a personal perspective, there is nothing on this earth more appealing than a thick, voluptuous, curvy frame. It is one of the most appealing, tantalizing sites on the earth; more than any mountain, vacation spot, Grand Canyon or Seven Wonders of the World. However, caution must be applied to this perspective due to health issues associated with abdominal obesity, excessive fat tissue around the heart and vital organs.

According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Counsel on Exercise (ACE), the above issues contribute to the following health issues:

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Heart disease continues to be the number killer for men and women. “Diseases of the heart and blood vessels and strokes kill almost one million people in 1 year in the United States, far more than all the Americans lives lost in the four major wars of the last century (636,282).” (Fitness & Health, Seventh Edition, Brian J. Sharkey/Steven E. Gaskill, Chapter 1, pg. 17, pr. 2)

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) “ 712,000 Americans have a heart attack every year. About 380,000 deaths are a result of a heart attack. The issue is excessive fat tissue around the heart causing pressure, restricting the arteries and blow flow (angina ischemia). Can we see the potential dangers that can affect you or your love one when we only consider the physical appeal rather than the health risk?

Abdominal Obesity (Overweight, Obesity)Several recent studies has established excess body fat, primarily in the central area around the abdomen is associated with hypertension, metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, stroke, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and dyslipidimea. Almost two-thirds of American adults are classified as overweight (body mass index [BMI] > 25 kg * m –2) and about 33% of these are classified as obese. [BMI > 30 kg * m –2) (American College of Sports Medicine, Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 9th Edition, Chapter 4, pg. 62, pr. 3)

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) According to Mayo Clinic, high blood pressure occurs when the blood against your artery wall is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems. This health issues is particularly high among African Americans. The more you weigh (excessive fat tissue), the more you need to supply oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. Increase volume during blood circulation puts pressure on the artery walls in the heart.(http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/basics/risk-factors/con-20019580)

Just like we manage our home so that it is suitable for habitation, our body requires the same care and attention. The purpose of the 4ver Healthy Wellness program is not to offend anyone that may be struggling with these issues. However, I can relate, as many of my readers are aware. My attitude change when I learned about the health risk associated with abdominal obesity, excessive fat tissue, and other unhealthy eating habits. We need to address this topic with an open mind as the information can prevent sudden death and promote abdominal health. Please stay tune to my next article entitled, about “Waist Management.”