In epidemic proportions "Baby Boomers" are proving to very unhealthy. More of them, 35%, have unhealthy hearts than nay other group in history. The previous generation only showed in at 24%. Why is this? Most probably because the 'Boomers' were the "spoiled generation" who were coddled by their families, society, etc. and did not experience the waist-cinching hunger of the "Great Depression", pioneer life of previous geberations, etc. Lack of exercise, 'fast foods', highly processed foods, foods with huge amounts of fats, with huge amounts of sugars all contributed to this unhealthy phenomena. The following piece from WebMD points up this set of facts. reemeber that tghis is written in laymen's terms for laymen not in medico-techno-babel for a medical professional. it is very simplistic but it is informative & to the point.
The Baby Boomer Heart: The Riskiest Generation
Experts say our generation may be the most vulnerable to heart disease ever.
By Colette Bouchez
WebMD Feature
Reviewed By Michael Smith, MD
Baby boomers were the first generation to grow up with affluence. But the price for abundance may be heart disease.
When you flip on the TV, do you fondly remember Lassie and Timmy, Ozzie and Harriet, Dale and Roy? Do tie-dye shirts and bell bottoms bring a smile to your face?
If these memories hold a warm place in your heart, then you're a Baby Boomer - one of nearly 76 million born between the years 1946 and 1964.
And, as hard as it is to believe, the generation that coined the phrase "Never trust anyone over 30" is now rapidly approaching 50 - or even 60! Indeed, experts estimate that every seven seconds another boomer hits the "big 5-0."
While many of us may still feel like an invincible rock 'n' roll teen at heart, the truth is we are fast becoming the older generation -- and in the process sharing more than just memories of transistor radios and the Beatles. We also share a risk of heart disease and related conditions, including high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
In fact, experts say our generation may be the most vulnerable ever. We are the first American generation to grow up with plenty - plenty of food, plenty of cars, plenty of leisure time. As a result, we're also heavier at an earlier age than our parents' generation, and we're developing heart problems younger.
The good news? We CAN change the world after all -- or at least our personal world. Use this guide to reduce your risks. The payoff: A longer and healthier life.
Remember, rock 'n' roll IS here to stay. But you'll need a healthy heart to enjoy it until the sun comes up!
Published August 30, 2005.
SOURCES:
U.S. Census Bureau. Harlen Krumholtz, MD, cardiologist, professor, cardiology and public health, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Ct., author, The Expert Guide To Beating Heart Disease. Stephen Siegel, MD, cardiologist, clinical assistant professor, NYU School of Medicine, New York.
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Comments: 3
I feel really good most of the time, certainly better than I did 5 years ago...
I think before it's too late, all of us Baby Boomers ought to get out there and do something with our lives...
Of course if I didn't have to work, I would do far more exercise, but like most of us I don't have that luxury...