Updated Dec. 8, 2016 2:23 p.m. ET

Researchers point to obesity epidemic as a key factor behind increase, call for more public-health measures

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It has been said that how long we live is 80% genetics and 20% what we do, and how well we live is 80% what we do and 20% genetics.

The chart above shows that the death rate from heart disease is increasing recently after over 30 years of declining.  Information from the CDC states that this increase is among both white and black men and women.  

Researchers feel that the obesity epidemic is probably to blame for most of the higher death rate from heart disease due to the increases in high blood pressure.  We have more people on medication for high blood pressure, and the death rate is still climbing.

We need to do is stop blaming it on genetics and our family history and take responsibility for the way we are running our lives.  Diet, lifestyle, blood sugar levels, and stress levels all play into how our bodies respond and react.  

We make sure we put the right fuel in our cars, change our oil at the recommended intervals to help our cars run well and last a long time.  Isn’t it time that we put the same effort into our bodies and our lives?

We need to eat healthy, cut back on processed foods, white flour, white sugar, hydrogenated fats, fast foods, and prepared foods.  We need to eat what nature intended us to fuel our bodies with  fresh, clean fruits, and vegetables, free range animal products, fresh water, and freshly prepared meals. We also need to reduce our toxic exposure.

Exercise is important.  We were meant to be active, not a couch potatoes.  We need to look at the toxins we are exposed to in our foods, cleaning products, beauty products, etc. Two important other toxic exposures are stress and bad relationships.So on the emotional level we might need to do some work also.

We do have control over the 80% that determines how well we live.  It takes work, effort and planning, but the results are worth the effort.

Many clients ask “Where do I start?”  My first thought goes to digestion and elimination.  We need to put good quality food into our system, and we need to be able to digest it and absorb the nutrients.  We also need to be able to eliminate the waste product efficiently.

Digestion, elimination and blood sugar issues are behind most of our chronic health issues, and these problems are getting more out of balance every year for a larger number of people.  The CDC says blood sugar issues and obesity are probably the two biggest reasons the death rate is rising.  It’s a shame that  each of us can control and balance these areas ourselves and should be able to live healthier lives for many years.

If you are ready to take charge of your life, please feel free to contact me to set up a consultation.  Together we can put together a program to help you take control of the 80% that factors into how well you live your life.