Prevention is still the best medicine

And they’re off! The first Mining Journal Fit Families have
taken the plunge.

What does it take for a family with 2 working parents and 2
school-aged children to become leaner and healthier? We’ll find out
when our two fabulous families from Marquette County spend the
next 6 months committed to reaching that goal.

Our “Fit Families” are interested in preventing health problems
related to lifestyle, and for good reason. The statistics are unnerving:
the number of children who have become overweight in the last 30
years has doubled. Parents in the age range of 40-59 are
experiencing the highest obesity rate ever compared with other age
groups in the U.S.

Why are families having such a tough time staying healthy?
Look at the facts:

• Most family meals eaten at home must be prepared in less than one-half hour.
• One out of every 3 meals are now eaten away from the home.
• Away-from-home foods deliver more calories in fat and saturated fat and are lower in fiber and calcium than homecooked foods.
• Service jobs (desk jobs) have replaced most active occupations.
• Less than 6% of children in the U.S. now walk to school.

Good health is a matter of lifestyle. Follow our Mining Journal Fit
Families for the 6 months and try the activities with your own family.

Getting fit can be fun!