FIGHTING OBESITY AND CHRONIC DISEASE WITH AGRICULTURE By Beth Sims, Wellness Manager, Pinnacle Claims Management, Inc.
We’ve all been there. You’ve had a long day, and the couch is calling your name like a long-lost friend. And what better way to settle in than with a giant bag of chips and a soda (or maybe an ice cream sundae)? But what if I told you there’s a way to fight the dreaded couch potato lifestyle and benefit your waistline all at once? Well, buckle up because agriculture has our back in the battle against obesity and chronic disease— and it comes with a side of fresh produce and maybe a shovel. Fruits, Vegetables and the Heart That Loves Them We all know that fruits and vegetables are good for us (our parents were right, as usual), but did you know they could actually lower your risk of heart disease? If you eat just one more serving of fruits or veggies daily, you could reduce your risk of heart disease by a whopping 4 percent. According to a study in the American Journal of Public Health, that one extra serving can go a long way. So, what’s holding us back? Well, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only about one in 10 Americans actually eat the recommended daily servings of fruits and veggies. And while we’re on the subject, 42.4 percent of U.S. adults are obese, thanks mostly to processed foods, a sedentary lifestyle and lack of nutrient-dense foods. Yikes. But here’s the twist: Agriculture can be the superhero in this story. Eating healthier can help us feel better and avoid the trap of obesity and other related health issues. Get Off the Couch (and into the Garden) Let’s be honest. Sometimes it feels like climbing Mount Everest to go for a walk. But here’s something you might not have thought about: farming and gardening count as exercise. According to a study published in Preventive Medicine, people involved in community gardening are 1.5 times more likely to meet physical activity guidelines than those who just binge- watch another season of a show. And let’s talk about exercise: Just 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week can cut your risk of cardiovascular disease by 30 percent, according to the American Heart Association. That’s less than 30 minutes a day—roughly the time it takes to scroll through TikTok. So, why not swap some screen time for some fresh air and gardening? Nutrition Education: Growing Minds (and Veggies) It’s not all about what goes into our bodies. Sometimes, it’s about what goes into our brains.
Agriculture can also play a major role in educating us about nutrition. Take the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm to School program, which connects local farmers with schools to provide fresh produce. The result? A 50 percent increase in fruit and veggie consumption in participating schools. Studies show that kids who receive nutrition education are 30 percent more likely to make healthier food choices. That’s a huge impact, considering how many of us grew up with a vague idea of what eating healthy actually meant. And in California, a program combining school gardening with nutrition education resulted in a 20 percent drop in childhood obesity rates. By connecting agricultural education with fresh foods, we’re not just reshaping the way we eat, but we’re also laying the foundation for healthier, happier communities. The Bottom Line: Get Your Hands Dirty (and Eat Your Veggies) The next time you’re feeling the pull of the couch or the lure of junk food, remember this: Agriculture isn’t just about growing crops—it’s about growing healthier habits, stronger communities and happier hearts. Whether you’re picking fresh produce from a local market, getting your hands dirty in a community garden or teaching kids how to plant veggies, agriculture is a tool we can all use to fight obesity and chronic diseases. If you don’t have a Western Growers Assurance Trust (WGAT) plan, which includes a care management program and the added option of a Wellness Program, contact us to see how we can help you better manage your health care costs at (800) 333-4942.
15 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com May | June 2025
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