City health report released with tips for healthy living

As Americans face potential reform for their health care, many may need to reform their health habits as a means to alleviate pressure on their well being and their wallets.

Food groups — The County Health Rankings & Roadmaps report includes healthy foods. Photo provided

Many residents within Virginia, including those in Lynchburg, have fallen victim to the sweeping health problems that are increasingly common nationwide. Obesity, cancer and heart disease are just a few that plague Americans of all ages, including middle-aged citizens and children.

Mayor Joan Foster has proposed a plan for Lynchburg residents to lose 12 tons, according to an article in the News and Advance. The Live Healthy Lynchburg initiative is supposed to help the city lose the desired weight.

“Diseases like obesity are affecting children. In fact, 1 and 3 children in America are obese. A lot of problems are in the context of obesity. Diabetes is a main one as well as heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol and cancer,” Nutrition Affairs Account Manager for Southeast United Dairy Industry Association, Inc. Laura Buxenbaum stated. “It’s estimated that Baby Boomers may end up outliving their children who have these health problems. That’s scary for residents in Virginia and across the country.”

As a registered dietician and health educator, Buxenbaum understands the consequences of ill health, both physically, emotionally and financially.

“One of the biggest repercussions is economic,” Buxenbaum said. “The CDC confirms that medical expenses for those who are obese are almost $1,500 higher a year and this is certainly a concern for Virginia and Lynchburg residents.”

The County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program initiated in 2012 by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute reported statistics on the health of Lynchburg City residents.

The report stated that 31 percent of adults in Lynchburg are obese, passing the 25 percent national benchmark. Out of the entire city population, 8,013 residents die prematurely due to health problems, most notably smoking, lack of physical activity and obesity. These numbers again pass the national average, coming in at 5,466.

Educators and dietitians like Buxenbaum work to campaign the promotion of healthy lifestyle education and programs. With more educated and health-conscious citizens with a desire to change, Lynchburg can alter its numbers and overall health.