COVID Files #6: 4/24/20

Hello Members and Friends - 

I am conscious about limiting my intake of news in order not to get sucked into the fear and despair it is driven by. It’s important to stay informed, however, so I am by no means living under a rock. Over the past week, especially, as I’ve been taking in my daily dose of worldly updates, there have been two concerning themes popping-up as they relate to the coronavirus – obesity and hunger. Being a leader of a sports and fitness facility, and studying to become a health coach, these two categories strike a chord with me. 

I am passionate about living a healthy lifestyle and I am driven to motivate others to do the same. When I see these extremes of a public health crisis related to the production, marketing and access to food exacerbated by this pandemic, I am reminded how much work there is to do to get this world healthy. The coronavirus has lifted the rug and reminded us of the number of issues we’ve been negligently sweeping under it for some time. Everything from economic disparity to climate change to healthcare imbalance to international relations are being illuminated by the COVID crisis. And sure enough, obesity and hunger are on this list because they are significant contributors to the fragility of global conditions that sustain life. 

The reports are beginning to come out that obesity (and potentially hypertension and diabetes) is surfacing as a consistent characteristic among those who have contracted COVID-19 here in the U.S. These reports all remind us that over 42% of American adults are obese. Additionally, the economic impact the coronavirus restrictions are having on people all over the world is growing the number of those who are “food insecure”. The already alarming number of over 820 million people worldwide suffering from hunger is anticipated to get much worse due to the pandemic. 

The root causes of obesity and hunger are complex and the current situation is just adding to the puzzle. How perplexing that we are suffering from diseases driven by the overconsumption of poor food on the one hand and the under consumption of food on the other hand. It is a powerful reminder of how vital food, the right food is to maintaining health and well-being. 

The solutions are every bit as complicated and can seem daunting. By now I’m sure you’ve guessed that I’m a “glass half full” kind of guy and seek to find the hope and inspiration in even the most gloomy circumstances. I’m immediately inspired to know that NYA has such an amazing team of trainers, instructors, coaches and staff who are dedicated to combatting issues like obesity and who are positively impacting the health of our community through fitness. I’m also inspired by people like Sean Fitzpatrick, founder of Real Food Share, a local non-profit committed to addressing the issue of food (in)security (from which Newtown is not exempt) through a holistic approach, aiming to provide not only access to food, but fresh and healthy food. In 2019 Real Food Share donated over 700lbs of fresh produce to people in need in Newtown. And then there are NYA members like Peter Chapman who are helping organizations they’re involved with pivot to address real-time local food security issues specifically caused by COVID-19. Peter is very active with Football Friends International(they host their annual fundraiser at NYA) who has launched the COVID-19 Red Card Campaign to raise funds for the Connecticut Food Bank during this time. 

I know there are countless examples of people working tirelessly to move the needle on these not only global but local challenges of obesity and hunger. Continuing with the theme of gratitude from the previous weeks, we are fortunate to be surrounded by people who see the possibility of affecting change and taking action. The pitch on the incline to the top just got a bit steeper, but I am confident the effort to reach the summit will be effective and successful.

Stay active and be well!

Yours in good health,

Ian Yorty  

Executive Director