(PIC)'Healthy, Wealthy and Wise' as the old saying goes. Without good health, the rest doesn't really matter. Scotland County's placing 2nd to last in the latest State rankings is but one more sign that we're headed in the wrong direction and change is needed.

Are more government funded consumer education programs the answer? Should government pass more rules? Do we need additional government regulations?

The fact is Good Health largely depends upon decisions we as individuals make each day. Healthy lifestyle choices are only a few keystrokes away, as the Internet is filled with great information, articles and tips on how to live healthier, longer and for less money too.

First, we must desire to become healthy, then put a realistic plan into place.

Between the time the captain (of an ocean going oil tanker) orders the helmsman to change course and the desired change is achieved, the ship has traveled at least six miles. If calamity is to be avoided, the captain must think ahead.

It's no different for us. If we desire positive change, like losing weight, but change course too fast or haphazardly, we're likely to fail.

Our weight is almost 100% dependent upon the number of calories we take in each day, versus the number of calories we expend. If we take in more than we expend, we will gain weight, if the same, we will maintain our weight, if less, we will lose weight.

If we are slightly over weight it may take just a couple of months to get to the goal, but if we are obese or morbidly obese, it could take up to a year of more.

We don't believe in diets, especially fad diets. Even when successful, lost pounds come right back. A healthy overall dietary plan will lead to permanent success, shedding pounds and keeping them off.

Only 21% of shoppers read ingredient labels before purchasing items. Sugars of any kind, including high fructose corn syrup, are believed to be the single most important factor in causing obesity and diabetes and in promoting the growth and spread of cancer. It's not just about our sugar intake from outside sources either, as many foods, such as pastas turn into sugars during the digestive process.      <span style="color: #0000ff;">
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