It's not a pitch for WW. It's a good presentation by the CEO.

This should be a wake-up call.

From the article:

The country's growing obesity epidemic is taking a toll on state ferries, and the Coast Guard is now forcing some of the boats to 'lighten up."

The Coast Guard recently announced it had changed the capacity on several vessels because passengers now weigh more.

Coast Guard Lt. Kirk Beckman said the old test weights assumed an average rider weighed 140-160 pounds, but now that the average American weighs 185 pounds, those figures had to be recalculated.

For example, the Yakima used to be allowed 2,000 passengers, but will now only be able to carry 1,783 passengers.

The notion that it’s O.K. to eat everything in moderation is just an excuse to eat whatever you want.

To obtain your BMI and approximate calorie intake for weight loss, just fill in the blanks.

There's a study that says this will happen. Typically, I let my eyeballs do the research for me. Here are two items that I see that lead me to believe the above prediction.

First, I see that McDonald's stock is at an all-time high - 98-bucks and a few weeks ago, I attended a pizza party. This pizza joint super-sizes its pizza. The patrons are lovin' it and many are super-sized too. Here's a picture of one slice (for proportion, take a look at the hand holding the pan).

If we don't "change-it-up" no doubt, 50% of Americans will be obese by 2030.

I have fond memories of my son playing with these cardboard bricks. To continue the tradition, we purchased them for our grandson. To our delight, he loves them ... like father, like son.

In this day and age of everything high-tech, it's great to see a very low-tech toy that kids love. If you want to purchase a set, Amazon has 'em. 

• Almost 40% of all drugs used worldwide are used in the US. "I sometimes wonder if some doctors here have become de facto drug company sales reps." - Dr. Lipman
  
• Approximately 80% of the antibiotics used in the U.S. go to factory farm animals.

I'm amazed and amused that my Main Street has three CVS pharmacies - all within one-mile of each other.   

The WSJ has some slick way of finding a parking place quickly. Here's my advice: Look for a parking spot far from your end-point. Take a nice long walk. There are two benefits: 1) You will always be able to find a parking spot 2) You will get some exercise

Interesting video ... We both have similar health goals ... No meds! I'm 56 and he's 58. A recent New York Times article stated: The average adult over age 55 juggles six to eight medications daily.

The good news: It's not that difficult to regain good health.                                                              

This special report by Peter Jennings (died in 2005) is still accurate and relevant. 

Very interesting video about health and exercise.

Watch this, then read Lies, Damn Lies, and Medical Science. After watching and reading, you might just say: "Oops."

Source: Dr. David Katz Presentation

If you want help with #1, I'm here for you.

1. Improve your health
2. Learn something new
3. Travel more
4. Spend more time with family
5. Save money.

One of my favorite websites is Experience Life - great information. They also have an amazing iPhone/iPad app 101 Revolutionary Ways to be Healthy. And to top off all the delicious information they provide, A Manifesto for Thriving in a Mixed-up World. 

If you are trying to lead a healthy lifestyle, these are must-read pieces.