Page 40 - Robeson Living Fall 2017

Med Instead of Meds

By Janice Fields

es in our physical activity and what we eat?

Think for a moment how many pills, including vi- North Carolina Cooperative Extension at NC State Uni-
tamins, you have taken in the past week. Is it a large or versity has been developing an educational program called
small number? Do you feel healthy and vibrant or are you “Med Instead of Meds” that focuses on healthy lifestyle
plagued with chronic disease? Is there anything you can changes such as diet and exercise and is based on the Medi-
do to feel better? I’ve read recently about the increased terranean style of eating. Now, that does not mean eat more
number of pills people take on a daily basis for chronic high-fat lasagna and pizza or more Greek and Italian food.
disease and to maintain good health. Many of those pills Instead, it means make simple dietary changes in the area
have unhealthy side effects. Can it be that we have gone of protein, fats, fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole
too far towards popping a pill for all our aches and pains, grains, and sweets.
eating highly processed foods, and sitting on the couch
watching too much junk? Did you know that two-thirds of Change your protein. The average person eats way too
chronic disease can be prevented by making simple chang- much red meat. Ideally, it is recommended to cut red meat

Page 40 Robeson Living ~ Fall 2017