According to a study conducted by the Research Triangle Institute and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), medical expenditures linked to obesity reached $75 billion in 2003. Researchers estimate that approximately half of these costs are subsidized by taxpayers through Medicare and Medicaid. Recognizing this as an issue of both fiscal and physical significance for all West Virginians, state lawmakers have decided to get moving.
The intertwining concrete walkways surrounding the State Capitol Complex and the marble halls within the building are routinely alive with activity. Throughout the course of an average day, many state employees and local citizens take time to leisurely walk around the Capitol or jog through the courtyard. For some, using a few minutes of their lunchtime to lace up their tennis shoes and get their heart rates pumping has become a daily ritual – and state lawmakers are following in stride.
Embracing this commitment, lawmakers are working to promote increased physical activity and heighten public awareness on the problem of obesity. Members of both the West Virginia House of Delegates and State Senate have pledged to take part in the “West Virginia on the Move” program – an initiative dedicated to helping individuals and communities across our state make positive changes to improve West Virginians’ health and quality of life.
Why is promoting activities such as walking important in the Mountain State? In addition to its financial implications, legislators also recognize the negative effect obesity has on West Virginians’ health. According to the CDC and Prevention’s Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System, West Virginia is ranked first in the nation with 27.6 percent of its population being obese. Furthermore, it has been reported that 28.4 percent of West Virginians report no leisure-time physical activity.
Studies have shown a direct correlation between several morbid diseases and obesity. Those who are obese are more at risk to develop heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea and other breathing problems, as well as some cancers, such as uterine, breast, colorectal, kidney, and gallbladder.
The combination of poor eating habits and physical inactivity have played major roles in the levels of obesity in the state. And according to the “West Virginia on the Move” program, to be successful in creating sustainable individual behavior change there must be a focus on larger environment and community support of healthy eating and active living. By reaching individuals where they live, work, learn, and play, communities can make a difference.
To further promote the program and an active, healthy lifestyle, members and staff of the House and Senate, along with the Governor’s Office, will be competing for the first annual “Leaders on the Move” award. The entity that “walks the walk” and takes the most steps over the course of the 60-day Legislative Session, which will be measured by individual pedometers, will be declared the winner and the award will be displayed in either the Speaker’s Office, the President’s Office or the Governor’s Office.
If you would like to get involved and begin making a change in your communities, “America on the Move” recommends taking an additional 2,000 steps each day – something that can be achieved by walking up the stairs instead of taking the elevator, parking further away from work or simply walking to your neighbor’s house rather than calling them on the phone.
Addressing the issue of obesity and the serious medical complications that accompany this epidemic has become a priority of the West Virginia Legislature. Although a sweeping answer cannot be established overnight, promoting programs that encourage individuals to take notice of the problems regarding obesity is a major step in the right direction toward tackling this statewide concern.
