Page 8 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MAy 13, 2022 Weigh Better U Risks by the Numbers By Sam Amado ast week’s article on working out safely might have been somewhat discouraging. (The prospect of brain swelling caused by dehydration might be daunting for even the heartiest among us.) This week’s article is about L how exercise and fitness are safer than the alternatives. A cynical person might see this week’s installment as an attempt to scare people into fitness after possibly scaring them away last week. But there is data to support the idea that fitness is safer than the alternatives. (Meaning that you should be scared, and that we can help.) One relatively easy way to reduce the risk of weight-related maladies (diabetes, hypertension, arthritis) is by losing ~10 pounds. While Type 2 diabetes is often considered the “easier” diabetes, it can get worse over time, and become the (more serious) MAPC LAUNCHES | FROM PAGE 3 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK ADVOCATE NEWSPAPER FACEBOOK.COM/ADVOCATE.NEWS.MA leaders. That feedback - including over 600 survey responses - painted a portrait of what those who live and work in Metropolitan Boston want for the region by 2050. The plan acknowledges challenges such as historic exclusion, oppression, and unfairness that continue today, and outlines ways to overcome them while grasping untapped possibilities to ensure that the region protects its natural resources, is prepared for climate change, invests in downtowns Type 1. Left unchecked, diabetes can lead to blindness, loss of appendages and/or kidney failure (which are unpleasant enough to make the consequences of working out too hard seem easier to deal with). According to Web MD, losing ~10 pounds greatly reduces the risk of contracting diabetes, and makes existing diabetes easier to manage. According to Web MD, that same ~10 pounds of weight loss takes ~40 pounds of pressure off your joints, increasing your mobility. (As a bonus, increased mobility makes it easier to get/ remain in shape.) One way to lose that weight is to reduce the saturated fats (red meat, fried food) in your diet, replacing it with healthier protein (whey, fish, leaner meats) and fiber from vegetables (beans, peas, barley). Reducing cholesterol and weight can reduce your blood pressure and risk of a heart attack. It can also help you to sleep better. and neighborhoods, and provides opportunities for all residents and workers to thrive. Grouped within the five Action Areas, MetroCommon 2050 identifies ten general goals for the region, along with specific strategies and proposed policies for achieving them. The goals include: Getting Around the Region: traveling around Metro Boston is safe, affordable, convenient, and enjoyable. Homes for All: All residents of Metro Boston have places to live that meet their needs, and that they can afford. A Climate Resilient Region: Metro Boston is prepared for – and resilient to – the impacts of climate change. A Net Zero Carbon Region: the Metro Boston region is highly energy efficient and has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero. Dynamic and Representative Governments: Local governments and regional agencies have the capacity and resources to deliver the services and supports our residents deserve, and to maintain and invest in our built and natural environments. A Healthy Environment: Greater Boston’s air, water, land, and other natural resources are clean and protected – for people and for the rest of the ecosystem. Sam Amado Working to lose 10 pounds can reduce your risks. Do not let this scare you. Let it inspire you. Be safe. Be sensible. And, remember, the world might be a scary place. But being healthier means fewer risks, and makes it easier to run away when you need to. Email Sam at: samamado@ weighbetteru.com Economic Security: Everyone has the financial resources to meet their needs and to live fulfilling lives. Economic Prosperity: Greater Boston’s economy benefits all in the region. Healthy and Safe Neighborhoods: People are safe, healthy, and connected to one another. Thriving Arts, Culture, and Heritage: Greater Boston is full of unique places and experiences that bring joy and foster diversity and social cohesion. Since MetroCommon 2050 is a land use and policy plan designed for practical use, MAPC is scheduling meetings with residents and officials throughout its 101-municipality region to make connections and jumpstart conversations toward next steps in realizing the plan’s vision. Presentations are available for public gatherings or internal meetings, and MAPC staff will tailor the content to each community’s needs. Governmental bodies and non-governmental organizations, interested in finding out what MetroCommon 2050 means for their communities, can sign up for presentations online. For more information about MAPC, visit www.mapc.org. To interact with the MetroCommon plan, visit http://metrocommon.mapc.org.
9 Publizr Home