Obesity and diabetes are among the major chronic illnesses of Americans today. Aside from improper nutrition, usually characterized by starch- and sugar-laden diets, sedentary lifestyles are also considered one of the causes. It is for this reason that California Senator Bill Monning, together with public health advocacy groups, is pushing for the enactment of a law that obliges manufacturers and distributors to place health warning labels on sugary drinks. Sharon Bernstein reports for The Sacramento Bee:
“Sodas and most other sugar-sweetened drinks sold in California would be required to carry warning labels for obesity, diabetes and tooth decay under a bill introduced in Sacramento on Thursday and backed by several public health advocacy groups.
A growing body of research has identified sugary drinks as the biggest contributors to added, empty calories in the American diet, and as a major culprit in a range of costly health problems associated with being overweight.”
The World Health Organization defines obesity as an excessive weight-to-height proportion. The parameter is set at a body mass index equal or greater than 30. What makes this imbalance dangerous is the adverse effects of excessive fat in the body, which may include heart diseases or stroke, arthritis, cancer, or Type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes consists of two types, the first one being genetic in nature and the second acquired. In both cases, a defect in a hormone called insulin creates problems with sugar absorption and leads to high blood glucose levels. Excessive amounts of sugar in the blood tend to produce disorders in major body organs including the heart, liver and kidneys.
Being afflicted with these conditions can affect the individual’s capability to function normally in the various aspects of his life, such as work and the family. Screening for and treatment of obesity and diabetes can be done in an East Sacramento urgent care clinic like U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group. The facility offers basic exams to check blood pressure and glucose levels, and determine an appropriate treatment plan.
Providing comprehensive and annual physical exams, convenient walk-in clinics in East Sacramento, CA are equipped to tackle the most prevalent health concerns.
(Source: California considers a warning label on sugary drinks, The Sacramento Bee, February 17, 2014)
U.S. HealthWorks Sacramento - East 