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