How To Make A Difference In The Health Of Our Poorest Neighborhoods

In our last article “How To Avoid The Obesity/ Diabetes Trap”, we went over startling statistics concerning the health of Americans and especially our children. We now know that our children and teens according to numerous health agencies will not live as long as their parents if we continue on the same path without proper education on how to help them make better food and drink choices. New research has come to light on a few fronts. Recently higher rates of colon cancer have been found in 27-30 years old which have never been seen before. Physicians and their health organizations are scrambling to decide whether to change the age limits on colonoscopy screening. To me that does not solve the problem since colon health is determined by what an individual is exposed to in their food and water. We already know that pesticide and fungicides in our food contribute to cancer. So we need to help individuals have better access to healthy food particularly in our poorest urban areas. We also talked about the dangers of HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) and it’s dangerous effects and it’s contributing cause to obesity and diabetes. This is in all sodas and cheap energy drinks made available, promoted and advertised specifically to our children. A dangerous precedent to be sure. A recent article on type 2 diabetes, the leading cause of death and disability costs the United States $174 Billion dollars each year. This is unsustainable in a health care system that is being crushed under its own wait. This should be a national debate, unfortunately our political leaders do not have the will to show us the way and the individuals that suffer the most are in our poorest neighborhoods. Disturbingly, African Americans are twice as likely to have Type 2 Diabetes then other races and African American women have the highest risk. African Americans are more likely to have serious complications from diabetes which are kidney disease, blindness, loss of limbs. They are more likely to have high blood pressure and twice as likely to die from complications. In my opinion this is unacceptable in this country. All is not lost. This is a disease process that can be curtailed at its source. Healthier food and drink choices are key to stemming the tide of this disease. More importantly is giving individuals better access to healthier food and banning soda and sugary energy drinks with HCFS. This is starting to happen within small community in poor neighborhoods. It is few and too far between but it’s a start. But we need to partner together to make larger changes. Time is of the essence. When it comes to offering substitutes to soda and cheap energy drinks, we need to partner together particularly within sports organizations that have the access to the public, and can educate and promote alternatives. Hydrex has been out in front and center on our own with Hydrex as the healthiest alternative to all sodas and energy drinks that are detrimental to our health. This partnering can also help small companies that have much to offer but lack the financial means to grow and get the word out to the public. Let’s all band together to make the changes that are so needed in all our communities. It takes a village to raise a child.
Yours In Good Health,
James Stivaly LMT
Founder Hydrex








