We don't have to lose the obesity battle

It's official: Florida is losing the obesity battle.

Our state received an "F" in a recent report released by the Trust for America's Health. Along with that of residents of other Southern states, Floridians' obesity levels are soaring. An addiction to poor food choices and a lack of physical activity has us dealing with obesity-related illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol.

And the lifestyles we're leading are setting poor examples for the younger members of our community. Today's children are expected to be the first generation to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.

The news is dismal. But there are steps you can take right now to get you on a healthier path. You don't have to be a triathlete to be fit and healthy. You just have to get moving and choose to eat healthier foods.

In the United States, the YMCA has been a leader in physical activity, recreation and sports. In Tampa, chronic disease prevention and reducing childhood obesity rates are two of our top priorities.

To this end, we have developed a variety of programs that help everyday people learn to live healthier. Our goal is to support every member of our community on a path to a healthier life, while providing an outlet to connect with others and feel inspired.

For example, the Tampa Y's Diabetes Prevention Program provides 16 weeks of exercising with friends, group meetings and the assistance of a lifestyle coach to those suffering from pre-diabetes. The program, the result of a partnership between the Tampa Y and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is offered throughout the Tampa Bay area. The program was piloted by the Indiana University School of Medicine, and more than half of those pilot program participants who made the recommended lifestyle changes significantly reduced their risk of Type 2 diabetes.

The LiveStrong program at the Y provides cancer survivors, including those recently diagnosed, with three months of expert-led physical activity. The program helps survivors get stronger physically but also provides them with support that improves their emotional and spiritual well-being.

There are also a variety of youth fitness classes, family fitness classes and, of course, youth sports programs. All levels and ages are welcome, with the main goal being to encourage physical activity. This is important because a recent Y-USA survey, "Family Health Snapshot," showed 74 percent of parents surveyed said their children did not receive the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Many of those cited the economy as being one of the main reasons for a decrease in participation in afterschool programs that promote physical activity.

The Y believes that every member of our community — regardless of age, income or background — deserves the right to be healthy, confident connected and secure. That's why we work with individuals on a case-by-case basis to provide them with the support they need at a cost that is appropriate for them.

These economic times are rough. While we can do without a lot of the things we're used to, our health is a necessity.