Old Habits Die Hard

As a true Southerner who cannot give up sweetened ice tea and fried food, I am saddened but not surprised to see the report today that the American South is the most medicated region of the United States. 

Our prescription drug-use rate--led by West Virginia with an amazing 17.7 prescriptions per capita--is well above the national average according to a story in Forbes magazine. The cause? Chronic diseases like heart disease, obesity and diabetes.  Almost 70% of the folks in West Viriginia were obese.

Why don't we change? Habits die hard and lifestyle changes take effort. This region should be ripe for change with good weather to exercise outdoors and the easy availability of fresh fruits and vegetables.

These statistics are enough to scare anyone.  Maybe it's time to pick up new food habits: flavored water and grilled chicken. I'm still working on the recipe for baked hushpuppies.

(Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.)