America's Eating Habits Getting Worse?

Haven't we been focusing on America's problem with nutrition for years now? We know we have an uphill battle with the war on obesity, and malnutrition. The rising costs of health care are also a reflection on the obesity problem, and it's starting younger and younger. It seems intuitive that knowledge is power, but not in this case.
A recent gallop poll showed the number of Americans getting the recommended number of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables at least 4 times a week has actually dropped in recent months. It has gone from 57.8% in May of 2010 to 55.9% in May of 2011. So clearly the messages are not being received.
I think we can find a number of reasons for the drop including higher costs of food in general, lower costs of fast food (think dollar menu), and a simply busier day. Many times eating right takes more time and money than the alternative.

But, what if people just don't see the value in it? What if there is no belief that if I incorporate these changes into my diet it will change anything. The common misconception with behavioral change is the overestimation of the costs and underestimation of the value. How do we get Americans to understand small changes like getting your recommended 5 servings a day of fruits and vegetables can actually change the course of many diseases like diabetes, cancer, and many others? The ironic thing is, you don't even have to cut out the foods you like, just add a salad, or a cup of fruit. Watch out though, you might just find when you add the good stuff, your not as needy for the junk.
Just try it for 4 days, see what you think, you might be giving yourself added years. Think of the family moments you'll be included in, weddings, graduations, births, and first steps. Is it worth it to you?

Is it a good idea to know everything about cancer?

As a daughter of a cancer patient I know how important it is to be the advocate in the lives of our loved ones. As a wellness coach, I know it's imperative. So, this begs the question..... If you were permitted to see your whole medical file during a period of your cancer treatment, would you want to? The arguement is that it causes more anxiety to the patient. The theory here is if you really knew everything and had the chance to understand your mortality would it create a life of depression, uneasiness, and ultimately zap the important positive outlook that keeps so many cancer patients going.
As a loved one of someone who struggled with cancer each day for years I say, let me hide my head in the sand and keep fighting regardless of what's in my chart.
On the other hand, as a wellness coach, with so many players involved in the treatment of cancer and other chronic illnesses, isn't it just smart to always have the answers each time you see a new doctor, nurse, or therapist?
After weighing the pros and cons and seeing it from both sides of the coin I decided, it's best to know your information. With all the team members which commonly includes an oncologist, an internist, a surgeon, a mental health professional, a physical therapist, and even possibly a health coach it's just smart to have your files with you at all times. You are a team, this is your life team. Would you send your quarterback out on the field on a play action play without your offensive tackle knowing the play call?
If you have cancer you at one time or another are going to be depressed, anxious, and scared. But, if you know you are doing everything you can to get the best care, doesn't it give you some sense of relief?

Ultimately, I believe the fighters are going to fight, and the quitters are going to quit. So, what was the outcome of the study? Turns out the group who received their medical records and kept them for the duration of the treatment had similar outcomes, reported a similiar quality of life, and same level of anxiety as the control group.
So, you decide, what's right for you and your family. Then, make sure you demand this from your team. It's your right and it's your life.