browncountyhealthcenterThe Brownwood/Brown County Health Department will recognize Obesity Awareness week, Monday, September 12 – Friday, September 16th.  During this week, the health department will offer half price cholesterol testing at $6 and body composition analysis and basic meal planning at no charge.

The Brownwood/Brown County Health Department is located at 510 E. Lee Street in Brownwood.  The health department is open from 8:00AM – 11:30 PM and 1:00-4:30 PM Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and offers extended hours on Wednesdays from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

Lisa Dick, RDN, LD, Health Administrator, Brownwood/Brown County Health Department, offered the following information.

Facts about Obesity in the U.S.:

  • 1 out of 3 Americans are obese
  • 1 out of 5 American children are obese
  • 1 of every 8 deaths in the US is caused by an obesity related disease
  • Percent of children who are overweight has increased from 4% in 1960 to 17% today.
  • Risk for diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure osteoarthritis, high lipid levels, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea and other breathing problems, and some cancers can be decreased when your weight is healthy.

A strong and healthy body can provide many benefits. Maintaining healthy habits is an important way to lower your risk for many diseases. Make your food and beverage choices a priority and be physically active.

For Children:

  • Adults must remember that they are the example.
  • Enjoy 5 or more vegetables and fruits every day
  • No more than 2 hours of screen time a day.
  • Play actively at least 1 hour a day.
  • Choose healthy zero sugar-sweetened drinks (water is the favored choice)
  • Instill habits that will last a lifetime and make a positive influence on health.

For Adults:

  • Eat a healthy diet:  Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products are healthy choices. Include protein foods such as poultry, fish, beans, eggs, nuts and lean meats. Choose foods that are low in saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars.
  • Be physically active:  Jogging, playing team sports, and biking are just a few examples of how you can get moving. Start small and work up to 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week if you are not already physically active.
  • Know your BMI or body composition:  Knowing your body mass index (BMI) can be an important first step in adopting a realistic diet and physical activity plan to help you get to and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Stay at or work toward a healthy weight:  Balance the calories you take in with the calories you burn through physical activities. Periodically track what you eat and drink as well as your physical activity to keep you focused.  Use online tools available on your phone, tablet or computer to accurately monitor your food and physical activity.

The staff at the Brownwood/Brown County Health Department encourage the public to set a goal today, small changes can make big differences in health and wellness.

Those with questions may call 325-646-0554 for more information.