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OPINIONS
Tom Dannals: Multiple factors play into lack of exercise in Tri-State region
Monday's Herald-Dispatch had an article focusing on Huntington as being the most obese city in the country. As one of the people interviewed by The Associated Press, I would like to follow up the article with a little more information that may seem relevant.
First, and foremost, I informed the reporter that a rate of 45 percent is appalling, but I told him not to put Huntington as an example of futility. In fact, I estimated that a rate of 10 percent is probably a reasonable ultimate goal and given that information, the entire country has problems, not just here.
Second, I emphasized that people need to be educated about the value of exercise. Most readers can appreciate remembering the days when gym class was year-round at school, but for now, it is not. Many remember the "20-minute workout" on television as if to say that this is sufficient for good health. It is not. It is healthier than zero minutes, but more is better, and there is no plateau for the amount that is good for you. (I know some will try to dispute this, but the latest information is very compelling for increasing our activity further).
Lastly, I emphasized the geography of our area being very important. We have very hilly and winding roads that are difficult to walk on. There are generally very small shoulders if they exist at all. I showed the reporter a map of the area to illustrate the problem. Treadmills are expensive, so going outside and walking for your health is recommended often, yet we have to make sure this is safe. This is why the PATH (the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health) is so important to this area. The infrastructure must change to allow us all to exercise in safety, and this trail will allow a significant number of people to exercise more safely.
The Associated Press interviewer wanted to make it seem that this community does not care about its poor health. Given the responses I have already seen I know this is not the case. Now it is time to prove it.
Tom Dannals is a Huntington physician.
