SEARCY, Ar. (LP) — Studies indicate Arkansas is the fourth leading in obesity charts in America which is why gym classes are needed to help students in schools now days to reduce the obesity percentage. “The law states that we do a BMI (Body Mass Index) On all students in kindergarten through 10th grade,” Mrs. Tammy Bishop, one of the nurses told Lion Press. Obesity is when a person overeats and is physical inactivity which is not healthy for the human body. The main symptom is excessive body fat, which increases the risk of serious health problems.
High School nurse, Mrs. Becky VanWinkle gave some insight at the matter at hand. She said, “Usually with the 10th grade students, we have approximately, 35-40% of our students in the obese category and usually, 30% of Searcy High School students have been shown to be obese or overweight which can make them vulnerable to diabetes.” Also, Arkansas is ranked ninth in current charts that measure diabetes among the states. Type 2 diabetes is when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or it resists insulin. Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, hunger, fatigue, and blurred vision. In some cases, there may be no symptoms. Obesity can transfer into diabetes (type 2) which is not good for the human body. “In the High School, I have 2 students with type 2 diabetes,” says Mrs. Vanwinkle.
It’s not good for Searcy to be leading into this way. But the real reason why we have more overweight and obese people then people skinny fit people, is because diets cost more than junk food which make unhealthy foods more accessible than healthy foods. “Its very, very expensive so the reason for some of the obesity in Arkansas is because of the cost. It’s a lot cheaper to eat beans and cornbread then it is to get some fresh fish, a salad, and some fruit would probably be 3 times the cost of those beans and cornbread which aren’t as healthy for us,” Mrs. Vanwinkle says. But their are ways to stay healthy and to help prevent Diabetes and obesity “ Preventing Diabetes and obesity is to be more active, get a good healthy meal, and weight control,” says Mrs. Tammy. Drink lots of water and walk a lot more, it really helps your body become more fit and keeps your body in better shape and better health. “Make vegetables, fruit, and protein your biggest on your plate and make foods like mac and cheese, fries, and the other good stuff your smallest on your plate,” Mrs. Vanwinkle says. Stay healthy for a long and healthy life, it’s worth it.
