Weight Loss in San Diego County — Take a Hike

Roughly half of San Diego county residents are considered overweight or obese. Yes, you read that right — half of the county's population. According to statistics given by the County of San Diego, 1.6 million people in the county fit that category.

How can that be?

Ramona and the backcountry are renowned for their natural beauty and outdoors lifestyle. One would think that we here in Ramona would be among the county's most in-shape residents.

Alas, we are not.

County Supervisor Dianne Jacob stated that Ramona's residents are among the most overweight in the county, when she came to meet with local residents at a coffee at the recently. She was surprised, she said.

So this week, Ramona Patch asks moms: What are you doing to stay within your recommended weight limit and promote your own good health? What are you doing to help your family stay healthy?

To see how you and your family are doing with your weight, check this body mass index: http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/

Poor diet, lack of physical activity and smoking are three behaviors that contribute to the four chronic diseases — heart disease, type 2 diabetes, lung disease and cancer — which are responsible for more than 50 percent of deaths in San Diego County, according to a news release from the County.

Obesity is being called a nationwide epidemic and public health emergency.

Healthy Works is a San Diego County program set up in response to a federal initiative called Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW). The initiative is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. A new website, www.HealthyWorks.org, offers suggestions for making positive change in our communities.

“Access to healthy choices, including healthy activities, is essential to prevent obesity,” said Supervisor Pam Slater-Price, who is chair of the Healthy Works leadership team.

The County is collaborating with community, governmental and educational organizations to focus on environmental and systems changes designed to prevent obesity and promote healthier living.

“We need to improve our environment to allow greater opportunity for walking, biking and physical exercise,” said Supervisor Ron Roberts, vice-chairman of the Board of Supervisors. “Government, businesses, neighborhoods, families and individuals all have a role to play.”

The County has undertaken a 10-year strategy to improve health in our region. Healthy Works is one of the building block in this strategy.

"Healthy Works can reduce the toll of chronic diseases on San Diego County residents’ health and well being,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H, County Public Health Officer. “These diseases can be prevented. Sometimes a few lifestyle changes can make the difference.”

As life gets faster and faster, some employers require more and more from their workers, and a lot of employment and recreation is moving to the sedentary situation of sitting in front of a computer or television. How do we make sure that we stay active and in shape?

What are you doing to extend your good health? What are you doing to keep your families in good health? Ramona Patch offers a suggestion.

Ramona and the backcountry offer so many opportunities to hike, climb, ride horses and bicycles, swim, play tennis or just take a stroll in a natural environment at sunset.

Every week, Ramona Patch offers profiles of local hiking and equestrian locations in our column . We hope you'll take a read and take a ride or hike.

One easy hike to start with is off San Vicente Road. The trails are well-marked and fairly level and wide. There are some beautiful old oak groves and small ponds. As you wander, you can wonder about the history of the ranch, owned by the Barnett family. Augustus and Martha Barnett commissioned the to be built more than a century ago.

Find other ideas in our column each week. We have moved it to the weekends.

And enjoy The Great Outdoors.