Fat Funds

It's not what you say - it's what you don't say! That was how one of our favorite game shows ended their programming. We think it's a great metaphor for life and politics. We think if we don't tell you to watch out then we're responsible for what we thought could hurt you - hurting you. We're responsible if we didn't warn you. If we warn you and you don't heed our warning then that's on you. We'll sound the alarm when the alarm needs sounding. We say this because our favorite government agency, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's "Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (DNPAO) currently funds 25 states to address the problems of obesity and other chronic diseases through statewide efforts." So if your state (and ours are not) isn't addressing the problems that face it for whatever reason - it might be time for you to consider new representation. Not that we're telling you to do that because sometimes its "the devil you know" that's better than one you don't.

"North Carolina's estimated 2007 total population is 9 million, roughly 7 million are adults. Of those adults, 36% are considered overweight and another 29% are considered obese, according to 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. Problems are also seen in factors related to obesity and other chronic diseases.

1. Approximately one quarter of adults report no leisure time physical activity in the past month.
2. Only 22% of North Carolinians report eating fruits and vegetables at least five times a day." - CDC (Overweight & Obesity)

Neither DC, Maryland or Virginia received funding from the federal government to address the issue in their states.Nor are they scheduled to receive any future funds either. The money comes from:

"The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 states that “$650M shall be provided to carry out evidence-based clinical and community-based prevention and wellness strategies authorized by the Public Health Service Act that deliver specific, measurable health outcomes that address chronic disease rates.” The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has developed an initiative in response to the Act. The goal of this initiative – Communities Putting Prevention to Work – is to reduce risk factors and prevent/delay chronic disease and promote wellness in both children and adults. The initiative was launched by HHS in a press briefing held on September 17, 2009. - CDC (Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion)

We asked the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) why weren't they selected and if they even applied for the funds (they meaning our jurisdictions) . We'll keep you abreast of their response if and when we receive it. We'd like to modify our favorite game show quote to: "It's not what you do it what you don't do!" That's about as political as we'll get in this season of flu and politics. Again we say it's up to to you to do. What happens when you've got the information is on us all. We're responsible. Each and everyone of us.