The United States has seen exponential increases in incidence of largely-preventable, chronic health problems such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease/high blood pressure, and cancer in the past several decades. These issues have increased in incidence and severity due to our society’s bad nutrition and exercise habits. Minnesota has seen increases in health problems like the entire country. The city of Saint Paul is right in line with the state’s statistics.

Obesity

According to state obesity rates, 36% of adults and 23% of children in Minnesota are either overweight or clinically obese. Obesity sets the stage for major health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, increased risk of stroke and diabetes, as well as higher incidences in some cancers. Each year Saint Paul holds the Challenge Obesity 5k Run, which is part of the Road Runners Club of America’s Minnesota State 5K Championship event. Not only does this event promote obesity awareness, it demonstrates the power of exercise to improve lives.

Heart Disease

In Minnesota alone, every year almost 8,000 Minnesotans die from heart disease. It is the second leading cause of death in Minnesota, which accounts for a quarter of all deaths. Heart disease mainly causes death through heart attacks and strokes. By being active and lowering fat, salt and cholesterol intake, most people can reduce their risk of coronary disease. The Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Unit at the Minnesota Department of Health in St. Paul coordinates heart disease awareness workshops and community outreaches year-round.

Diabetes

Around 300,000 Minnesotans have diabetes, and nearly a million more have a form of pre-diabetes, with 15,000 new diagnoses of this debilitating condition in the state every year. The American Diabetes Association’s Minneapolis- Saint Paul office is very dedicated in educating the community with their many programs and resources. Some of these include fitness management, ideas for exercise, meal plans, and a food advisory. Their annual fundraising events include the Walk to Stop Diabetes, Tour de Cure, and their annual golf tournament.

Cancer

More than 9,000 people in Minnesota died from cancer in 2010. Cancer is the number one cause of death in this state, and almost a third of the cases of cancer in Minnesota can be linked to obesity. In Saint Paul, over 200 cancer patients participate in the National Cancer Institute’s cancer prevention and symptom management program. The program aims to provide people in the Saint Paul community with access to the latest cancer treatments, symptom management and cancer prevention. The American Cancer Society is very active, holding fundraisers yearly.

The Minneapolis-Saint Paul area is Minnesota’s largest population center, and as such its rates for chronic and often fatal diseases and conditions runs parallel with the state’s. Residents of Saint Paul are urged to combat diabetes, heart disease and cancer by eating better, getting regular exercise, and being more aware of health issues. By getting the right education and taking action against obesity, many of these problems can become a thing of the past.