Ethical Essay 3

In today's American society, the perfect storm has been "blowing" for a long time in regards to obesity. More food choices along with a demanding work schedule has produced the simple answer of eating (large & quickly) and spending less time taking care of the body. This, in my opinion, is not an easy fix.

As a paramedic, i would have to say that most of my patients are overweight, and most of them have serious medical complications secondary to their weight. Is this a coincidence? I don't think so. I have been overseas (military service) and noticed that in Asia, i did not see many obese people. I will use Hong Kong as my example. This is a large metropolitan area, with many people living in a condensed area. What i noticed amazed me in regards to America: Most people there where in good condition. I have never seen so many people that walked around or used a bike. Same can be said about the many different places in Mexico that i travel to. Many people walk or ride a bike. Don't get me wrong, i am sure there are obese people in those areas, i just cant recall any! Is this a product of how our societies differ? I believe it is, but it is possible that because their society is not as commercialized as ours plays a major role. This is only my observation.

Now, back in the US, we have allot of options in regards to eating out. It is easy to order the "super-size" meal and not even think twice about the affects. In today's work force, not everyone has a gym at their work place to counter-act the effects of sitting in a cubical(generalized). As a Paramedic, my 24 hour shift may be slow. That is great when it happens (rarely). But, i am eating on the "run", and at odd hours of the day and nite. When you add limited sleep, your body will pay the price! I am fortunate that i have a gym available during my work shift. That doesn't mean i will get to use it. The gym is there to help me limit my chances of getting an infection (sick) while at work. The fringe benefit, is that i get to stay healthy. This is accomplished through exercise. However, not everyone has that luxury at work and i notice that when i go to a patients house at 3am who is complaining shortness of breath, who also weighs over 300lbs. This is not an isolated incident, like i said before, i notice more health issues with overweight people, and this age group isn't isolated to the elderly alone.

Big corporations play a major role in this storm. Larger food portions, easy access, for your convenience. Who is to blame? Everyone that chooses that option because they are tired and worn out from work? I am guilty of that choice sometimes. Maybe things will change with the slow down of our economy? Everyone will adjust to the price of food and people will spend more on healthy food, walk or bike to work---i doubt it. McDonald's will still offer super-sized meals for an adjusted price that consumers will accept. When you factor in the fact that exercising is not as convenient as order fast food, the storm only gets stronger!