Keeping pounds off called key to minorities' health
Annual summit also addresses ways to defuse violence at home
Dr. Ian Smith, a physician and diet expert, said Saturday in Greenville that many chronic illnesses are linked to America's growing epidemic of obesity.
"It's particularly acute for African-Americans, Latinos and other minorities," he said at the third annual Minority Health Summit. "What it's doing to children is criminal."
Obesity has been linked to everything from diabetes to heart attacks, but it isn't something people are comfortable talking about, said Smith, a regular on programs such as "Larry King Live," "Anderson Cooper 360" and "The View."
"Obesity is not a sexy topic," he told a crowd of more than 1,600 at the Carolina First Center. "I would argue that obesity should be in the forefront."
Smith, creator of "The 50 Million Pound Challenge," recommended small changes now to avoid the life-shattering ones forced by stroke, high blood pressure and heart attacks. They include eating more vegetables and fruits, exercising at least 30 minutes a day three to five days a week, and avoiding fried foods.
"For a change, can't you broil the chicken instead of frying it?" he said. "Can't you take the skin off?"
Another speaker, Dr. Dana Ray, said blacks are twice as likely as whites to contract diabetes.
Dr. Thaddeus Bell of Charleston, gave a talk imploring attendees to exercise, stop smoking and make sure that when they visit their doctors they come away with a complete understanding of what their cholesterol and other numbers mean. He also said patients should ask their doctors for generic drugs, which are less expensive and just as effective.
Bell also took on domestic violence in a "Beauty/Barbershop Talk" seminar, a format designed to give the feel of an informal discussion. Violent behavior usually begins with shouting, he said, not hitting. So either stop it before it turns physical, he said, or get out of range.
It's advice that might help turn around this sobering South Carolina statistic: The Palmetto State is second nationally in domestic violence deaths, according to Safe Harbor, a Greenville-based nonprofit.
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Education for Liberation!
Peter S. Lopez aka: Peta
Sacramento, California, Aztlan
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