Mon, Dec 01 2008
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Published October 11, 2008 04:38 pm - Over the last 20 years Muskogee has seen a dramatic decline in the health of its citizens. Let’s get Muskogee in shape, good health By Dr. James Baker Local view Over the last 20 years Muskogee has seen a dramatic decline in the health of its citizens. We, like the rest of the country, are eating too much, are sedentary too often, and have vices too many.
The National Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey (NHANES) reveals that if you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 27, you have a 70 percent chance of diabetes (high sugar), a 56 percent chance of hypertension (high blood pressure), and a 47 percent chance of hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) in your lifetime. Knowing that these are primary risk factors for heart attack, stroke and sudden death, many in our community will die at a young age. With 64 percent of Muskogee overweight or obese, most of our citizens will not enjoy good health in the years ahead. Recognizing these statistics, concerned healt hcare providers in our town have met to address Muskogee’s health. The Muskogee Wellness Initiative is the result of these meetings and is a call to action. We have created a proclamation signed by city officials and directed toward encouraging a healthy Muskogee. The proclamation ideals and the committees formed are not new. Existing programs, including our local Turning Point as well as state and national programs like Healthy People 2010 are being utilized. How can you be a part? We need your participation. Who can you represent? We are asking churches, schools, neighborhoods, corporations, civic organizations and small businesses to form teams and work together. If your corporation or team is already participating in healthy lifestyles, please help by sharing your success with others. Each team is encouraged to send three members to our kickoff forum. We will help you to establish goals for your team. Although each team may have a different goal, we know that all of our goals will lead to a healthier Muskogee. Opening remarks at the forum will be made by Mayor Hammons. Shortly following, I will give an overview of our declining health. This will be similar to the presentation that I gave at Muskogee Swim and Fitness two weeks ago. Wellness forum
WHAT: Muskogee Wellness Initiative kickoff. WHEN: 3-5 p.m. Thursday. WHERE: Muskogee Civic Center. The meeting is free and open to the public. 
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