The School of Applied Sciences and HealthWorks sponsored "Walk with the Chancellor" to raise awareness of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. May was proclaimed for this emphasis by President Ronald Reagan in 1983 to encourage physical activity.
Kathleen Smith, senior exercise science major and HealthWorks intern, hopes individuals recognize the important health benefits of exercise."We want people to realize that just 30 minutes of walking can make a huge impact on physical health." Smith said. "Small steps in exercise fitness can increase cardiovascular health and decrease diseases associated with physical inactivity and obesity."
Despite what folks around the nation might think, Mississippi is very aware of the problems with obesity in our state. I'm so glad that the University of Mississippi is making an effort to promote cardiovascular health, considering that it is cardiovascular disease that is the No. 1 killer in America. Not smoking in restaurants, not texting while driving - heart disease. And so much of our media does not address the issues of heart disease.
And here's the scary part:
Population based studies in youth show that the precursors of heart disease start in adolescence. The process of atherosclerosis evolves over decades, and begins as early as childhood. The Pathobiological Determinants of Atherosclerosis in Youth Study demonstrated that intimal lesions appear in all the aortas and more than half of the right coronary arteries of youths aged 7-9 years. However, most adolescents are more concerned about other risks such as HIV, accidents, and cancer than cardiovascular disease. This is extremely important considering that 1 in 3 people will die from complications attributable to atherosclerosis. In order to stem the tide of cardiovascular disease, primary prevention is needed. Primary prevention starts with education and awareness that cardiovascular disease poses the greatest threat and measures to prevent or reverse this disease must be taken.
Most countries face high and increasing rates of cardiovascular disease. Each year, heart disease kills more Americans than cancer.[2].
It is the number one cause of death and disability in the United States and most European countries (data available through 2005). A large histological study (PDAY) showed vascular injury accumulates from adolescence, making primary prevention efforts necessary from childhood.[3][4]
By the time that heart problems are detected, the underlying cause (atherosclerosis) is usually quite advanced, having progressed for decades. There is therefore increased emphasis on preventing atherosclerosis by modifying risk factors, such as healthy eating, exercise and avoidance of smoking.
It is the number one cause of death and disability in the United States and most European countries (data available through 2005). A large histological study (PDAY) showed vascular injury accumulates from adolescence, making primary prevention efforts necessary from childhood.[3][4]
By the time that heart problems are detected, the underlying cause (atherosclerosis) is usually quite advanced, having progressed for decades. There is therefore increased emphasis on preventing atherosclerosis by modifying risk factors, such as healthy eating, exercise and avoidance of smoking.
(Italicized portions of this piece from the University of Mississippi News and Wikipedia.com)
Check out Let's Go Walkin' Mississippi to find great places to walk in your county, and to see what local schools are up to: http://www.letsgowalkinmississippi.com/
Check out Let's Go Walkin' Mississippi to find great places to walk in your county, and to see what local schools are up to: http://www.letsgowalkinmississippi.com/
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