Learn To “Weigh Less and Live More!”
If you’re like most Americans, you could afford to lose a few pounds. According to a 2012 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 57.7% of adults in Vermont are overweight and 23.2% are obese.
While Vermont was ranked 7th least obese state in the United States in 2011, current trends suggest that Vermont will experience an obesity rate of 47.7% by the year 2030. This was one of the many startling findings reported in F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future 2012, a report released by Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF).
Our population’s weight gain is not merely a question of vanity. Obesity is correlated with a significantly increased risk for a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer. Medical costs associated with obesity are estimated at no less than $147 billion dollars, and this number is expected to rise dramatically in the coming years.
The Ottauquechee Health Foundation and Woodstock’s Norman Williams Public Library are committed to addressing the health concerns of the local and surrounding communities.
As part of their collaborative “Here’s To Your Health” seminar series, the institutions are co-sponsoring a free lecture on April 9 entitled, “Weigh Less, Live More.”
“The Ottauquechee Health Foundation supports and promotes well health and encourages all community members to take advantage of this educational opportunity to learn more about the prevention of obesity,” says Sherry Thornburg, the Foundation’s Executive Director.
Certified Health Coach Shoshana Belisle, MSW, RYT, CHHC, will offer practical, science-based solutions for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Weight loss can often seem overwhelming, especially given today’s predominately sedentary lifestyles and abundant access to nutrient-poor food. Ms. Belisle’s philosophy does not focus on willpower or restriction. “I believe that it is possible to develop a true passion for delicious, healthy, plant-based food, and to enjoy the exhilaration that comes from finding movement that you love. Passion and fun are what make lifestyle changes sustainable in the long term.”
Topics covered will include plant-based whole foods cooking, “crowding out” junk food, simple stress management tools, physical movement, and the importance of creative outlets and supportive relationships.
Ms. Belisle will draw upon her experience as a psychotherapist, integrative medicine advocate, holistic health programmer, and certified yoga instructor, as well as her training through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, to offer a multi-faceted approach to weight management. Her goal is to inspire community members to make simple, manageable changes that bring big returns in health, energy, productivity and wellbeing.
Jennifer Belton, Executive Director of the Norman Williams Public Library, encourages residents to view the library as a valuable resource for health information in the local community. “The library is delighted to have Shoshana Belisle respond to community interest in nutritional food. With limited time to create healthful and sustaining meals, we will all benefit from learning from her approach.”
As part of the lecture, Ms. Belisle will also cover how to “sneak” healthy ingredients into family-friendly meals. “Knowing that obesity will be of growing concern in the coming years, I’m especially committed to teaching my kids health-supporting habits.”
The free seminar will be held at the Norman Williams Public Library on Tuesday, April 9th from 5:30-6:30pm. Appetizers will be served, care of the Woodstock Farmers Market, to illustrate healthy eating choices.
For more information, visit the Ottauquechee Health Foundation website at www.ohfvt.org, the Norman Williams Public Library website at www.normanwilliams.org, or Shoshana Belisle’s website, www.maplerosewellness.com.
