NJ Cops | Page 74

Highlight Health offers our members the latest information on important health and wellness matters. This issue examines obesity, a major contributor to some of the leading causes of death in the U. S.

What criteria determine obesity?

In 2008, 67 percent of U. S. adults 20 years of age and older – nearly 149 million people – were either overweight or obese. For adults, overweight status and obesity are determined by using weight and height to calculate a number called the body mass index( BMI), a gauge of the proportion of body fat. BMI equals weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared( kg / m 2) or weight in pounds divided by height in inches squared, multiplied by 703 [( lb / in 2) × 703 ].

• An adult with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight.

• An adult with a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.

Surprisingly, over 75 percent of first responders are overweight or obese, by BMI criteria. A survey of law enforcement officers( LEOs) in a Midwest police department found that the percentage of officers who were overweight or obese exceeded levels found in the general population of the same area.

What are the risks?

All overweight and obese adults 18 or older with a BMI of more than 25 are considered at risk for developing many serious health conditions, including hypertension, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some types of cancer, including endometrial, breast, prostate and colon.

Why are first responders particularly vulnerable? Some of the observed prevalence of overweight status and obesity

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Proactive approach to preventing obesity

among LEOs is due to the unpredictable nature of their work schedule, with fast food often the only feasible choice for nourishment. Night shift work also can adversely affect eating behavior, causing some LEOs to consume meals with high levels of fat and carbohydrates.

Can obesity and its complications be prevented?

Obesity is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for the prevention of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Programs that emphasize lifestyle modification through better diet and regular physical activity have been shown to improve the overall wellness and fitness of first responders. A study designed to assess the effectiveness of a health and fitness program among 1,504 police trainees observed a reduction in percentage of body fat and a significant improvement in cardiovascular fitness( aerobic power), general muscular strength and flexibility.

Recommendations for preventing obesity include:

• Exercising regularly, aiming to achieve 150 to 250 minutes of moderate-intensity activity every week, such as fast-paced walking and swimming

• Eating healthy meals and snacks such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while avoiding saturated fat and limiting sweets and alcohol

• Keeping a keen eye on situations that trigger out-of-control eating such as watching a favorite sports team in a tight game

• Monitoring your weight regularly, helping you detect small weight gains before they become big problems

• Being consistent in your approach to weight control, increasing your chances of long-term success

This message is sponsored in conjunction with HERO.

MANALAPAN TOWNSHIP PBA 229 DATE: August 20, 2016

Raindate: Aug. 21, 2016

TIME: 2pm to 10pm Country Roads Day Camp 139 Pinebrook Road Manalapan, NJ in partnership with

Join us for a day of family fun!

• $ 25 donation for a ticket ages 13 and up

• $ 10 donation for children ages 5-12

• Children under 5 are free

• A Portion of the proceeds to benefit Local War Veteran charity

• Babysitting services provided

• DJ

• Live Entertainment

• All you can eat, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Roasted Pig, Salads, Shrimp, Beer, Soda, Juice and Water

• Volleyball, Cornhole and other activities

• Pools and sprayground for the kids, 15 lifeguards on duty

Visit the Grill and Chill Facebook Page or contact any Manalapan Police Officer for tickets. Limited number available.

74 NEW JERSEY COPS ■ JULY 2016