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bloomingmom February 1 2009, 21:18:09 UTC
interesting, eh? we had a patient who wanted one of our docs to write her "permission" to be exempt from required cpr cert at her workplace (a blood work type lab) due to her being unable (read too fat). she'd asked me to go get this sig. from the doc, i returned that i felt she needed to discuss this with the doctor. but, wouldn't she expect someone to revive her if she needed assistance? to which she said -- but, it's hard for me to get down on my knees...... and so you'll just stand there and watch a patient in need? i asked.
end basically of the conversation.
i was psyched when the doc came in and had the same questions i did. after dr. h said "so you'll just watch?" she added, that's just not acceptable -- take your cpr course -- help out.

though when flying it would be nice not to sit beside the person who's flowing over into the space alloted my butt....

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liveonearth February 1 2009, 21:32:45 UTC
Well I"m glad you talked that lady into taking her CPR class. Seems like people will try anything to get out of embarassment and discomfort, except for dealing with the cause of it...

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littleblueghost February 1 2009, 22:53:03 UTC
That is unfair. Obesity isn't a disability, unless it is to the point it has wrecked both knees and back so they should have to pay (and hopefully have the option) of wider seats.

Its not an issue that is going to go away any time soon, as we have lost the skills to know how to make cheap healthy food.

eg. It is rare now, in suburbia, to see people actually use their gardens to produce food. I have a 1 person garden which I spend about 2 hours a week in - 1 hour weeding, 1 hour watering. I work full time and have extra activities, but I still manage. Of course, it is still relatively new, so hasn't produced much, but once it does, my vegetable bill will go down substantially.

People use the cost and time as an excuse not to eat healthily...

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liveonearth February 2 2009, 03:13:27 UTC
Good for you growing some food! It is amazingly easy to grow food here. I threw the seeds in the ground, watered and weeded once a week, and had produce all summer long. Now I don't have a garden spot anymore, though. Maybe I'll get involved in a community garden....

The obesity/disability issue is a huge hot button. Last time I posted about this issue several obese advocates came after me. I wonder if they're about to slam me on this one. Check back in a few days to see! =-]

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littleblueghost February 2 2009, 04:11:32 UTC
It is a huge debate and a huge issue. Especially when they limit the criteria to BMI only. (I am a huge advocate of waist measurements as it is a much better indication as far as health goes, plus you can usually eyeball whether people have a a lot of central adiposity or not.)

It will be interesting what the future brings, because with it there is also a certain amount of stunting apparently starting to happen with children eating adequate energy dense but low nutrient foods. Plus osteoporosis happening in 20-30 year olds as they limited their milk intake and stuck to diet soft drinks (always so bad for bones!)

And iodine deficiency is starting to become a problem again. We are supposed to be living in developed countries, but the old nutritional problems are becoming issues again, along with obesity...

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littleblueghost February 2 2009, 04:18:09 UTC
Here's another story regarding obesity - in children this time:

http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/newshome/5293587

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hausfrauatu February 1 2009, 23:55:54 UTC
In 50 years, I doubt if flying or obesity will be major issues.

I am overweight. I'm about 150 and 5'2". It really is a set point for me. It takes a lot of effort for me to go up or down. However, if I found I couldn't fit into chairs or theater seats, you can bet I would get help. I know people who have fought back from morbid obesity. It causes so much suffering.

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liveonearth February 2 2009, 03:16:23 UTC
You're so right. Nobody will be flying unless they are rich or government, and the obesity epidemic will be over, in 50 years.

I understand about set points and how people can get to a weight that they have a really REALLY hard time changing. I get it. I've struggled with it myself. Our society doesn't help.

The alleviation of suffering would be a decent argument for allowing obesity as a disability, as the Canadian supreme court has. I wonder where that slippery slope might lead...

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