Greetings my Brothers And Sisters In Christ,
Recently in the news media we have become saturated with reports of the rise in obesity in our country. The numbers are greater in our community than others.
I am sure that you will agree that on any given Sunday if you go by The Golden Coralle, Shoney's, Pondorosa, Ryans, or any food buffett restaurant you will find a large number of African Americans there. I understand the financial advantages of taking out a family to eat at these places, but my concern is the portions of food we consume when we go there.
There was a documentary on CNN Being Black in America, and it dealt with the growing number of illness in our community and many of them come from the problem of obesity.
We take it lightly as we joke about wearing ALL You Can Eat clothing is worn to these restaurants. We joke about our families are big boned people. But what about facing the reality of just being over weight?
There is an alarming number of preachers and pastors who fall in this category, and it seems as if we are unwilling to address it. As a result some have fallen asleep as a result of poor health practices.
As Pastor of New Birth M.B. Church, and a concerned community acivist, I am deeply concerned with the neglect of our individual health care in our community and nation.
As a body of Christ we are to be reminded that our bodies are not ours to abuse the way we do by practicing eating unhealthy, lack of excercise etc. The Bible teaches us in 1 Corinthians 3:16; "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?"
The rise in Diabetes and High Blood Pressure, Cancer of all kind in the African American Community compared to other ethnic groups is alarming. Although the economic condition of our country has a lot to do with it, resulting in families having no health insurance, there are still ways that we can show our responsibilty to how we take care of our bodies.
I recently came across an editorial by Roland Martin a CNN reporter that speaks to this. I have attached it for your reading and empowerment.
The Isagenix Cleansing program that he mentions that is helping him with his weight and health , both my wife and I are representatives of Isagenix and we would love to assist you in your Health And Weight Maintainance.
You can view a video on Isagenix and our personal web page@:
www.isamovie.com. It takes only about 9 minutes. Then view our personal web page @
www.MAG1.Isagenix.com
Call Morris at 937-435-5934 after you review this . You will be glad that you did. Enjoy this reading by Roland Martin and Be Healthy and Blessed! And don't forget the above websites!
Good Move by First Lady To Focus on Eating Habits of Americans By Roland Martin
First lady Michelle Obama has been in the news recently for her visits to her local schools in the Washington area, but I believe her outspokenness on healthy eating habits really has the potential to transform the country.
I fully understand her message because I recently began working with fitness guru Donna Richardson Joyner on the Isagenix cleansing system. The program calls for multiple cleanse days and limiting meals to 500-600 calories a day. In 11 days, I've lost 9 pounds on the program, and having to watch your calorie count, as well as drink upward of 80 ounces of water a day, you get a good sense of your body and what it requires.
By Michelle doing front-page stories in The New York Times on healthy cooking and adding fresh fruits and vegetables to the daily diet, we can get a better handle on the obesity epidemic in this country. Some might see the creation of a vegetable garden on the White House lawn as a publicity stunt, but we are seeing efforts in urban areas, including Chicago, to do the same.
For all Americans, but especially African-Americans, we definitely need this emphasis on food. A couple of months ago, the Chicago Tribune did a story showing that black women are growing shorter because of obesity. We certainly know that the food decisions we make are having a negative impact on our health, whether it's diabetes, heart disease, hypertension or cancer.
We spend a lot of time — and money — focusing on the social issues affecting people of color, folks in inner cities and rural America, but it's clear that our health should be at the top of the list. We are seeing far too many of our family members, church members, neighbors and friends fight illnesses that can be prevented by wellness programs and healthy eating.
But this also means we've got to fight the negative influences that are in abundance in our communities, namely liquor stores and fast-food restaurants. I can't tell you how many times I've tried to find baked or grilled fish when I'm on the South Side of Chicago, only to be faced with signs that shout, "Fried!"
Am I saying fast food is wrong? No. But it might mean going with the healthy choices on the menu — salads and other items not high in fat — rather than juicy burgers with cheese and bacon.
The obesity epidemic in America is no joke. It really hit home when I was talking with Spencer Leak Sr., a major funeral home owner in Chicago. He said they have had to order plus-size caskets because most people can't fit in their traditional caskets. Even in death, obesity is costing more money.
There is no doubt that we need universal health care and to close the health gap that exists between the haves and have-nots. But government can't do it all. Individuals must take their health into their own hands, and that means regular fitness, as well as better food selection and preparation.
The efforts by Michelle Obama have gotten a lot of attention, but not nearly enough. If we're going to have town hall meetings in our neighborhoods dealing with police brutality and crime, we need to confront the violence to our bodies at the dinner table.
Does God Care aboout this ? What do you think?
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