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Weather Alert

Weather Alert

...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 8 AM CST
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 22 expected.

* WHERE...Portions of south central and southwest Louisiana and
southeast Texas.

* WHEN...From 2 AM to 8 AM CST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin
is exposed to these temperatures.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a
hat, and gloves.

Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure
portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills
inside.

&&

Covering Your Health: Louisiana near top in US in obesity

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The latest obesity rates are out and the new data shows the US is getting heavier and those numbers aren't so great for Louisiana either. I have the latest on adult obesity from the CDC. The US is getting heavier and Louisiana, not surprisingly, tops the list.

LAFAYETTE, La. (KADN) — The latest obesity rates are out and the new data shows the US is getting heavier and those numbers aren't so great for Louisiana either.

I have the latest on adult obesity from the CDC. The US is getting heavier and Louisiana, not surprisingly, tops the list.

The map of obesity starting in 2011 shows the US is getting heavier. The southern US, unfortunately, remains a hot spot but the rest of the US soon follows. Presently, about 20% of the US, or one in five adults, is considered obese

How does Louisiana compare?

We have the fourth highest rate of obesity at 40%. The worst is West Virginia, followed by Mississippi, then Arkansas. These four states are above 40%; however, the next 20 states are all above 35%.

So, how does education factor into all of this?

These states largely perform poorly with education. We know that 37% of those without a high school diploma are obese, and this goes down to 35% with a high school diploma, and even further to 27% as a college graduate.

By now, we should all know obesity leads to common health problems including:

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Type 2 diabetes, which in turn lead to heart disease and stroke

Also many other issues like:

  • Sleep apnea
  • Liver disease
  • Joint problems, particularly hips and knees
  • Mental health issues like anxiety and depression

Obesity affects one in five adults in the US and Louisiana is the fourth heaviest state. It’s an issue we cannot take … lightly.

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