To make a long story short I am a student and I write quite a bit about the experience of becoming a nurse.
So with that being said I have decided due to some recent developments that I am going to write about the cultural war on fat focused on nursing.
I am acquainted with a woman who is a critical care nurse. I have to tolerate her toxic presence in my life due to her association with my dude's friend. Now, I would like to mention I am no small girl and have gained and lost, and gained again 100lbs. I have finally gotten to the point where I am not beating myself up about it and see efforts now as a matter of love for my body rather than hate. Recently she said this (to me of all people), "I hate fat people so much. They smell, they are hard to move around, and I think they should all die in a hole somewhere."
A member of my clinical group said, "You know these doctors will get upset at the COPD patient who is smoking like three cigarettes a day but say nothing to these fatties who don't follow their diets." I stood up, looked very serious for a moment and said, "HEY! I am one of those fatties that don't follow their diet." Then we went a few rounds with her saying she wasn't talking about me because I am "an attractive fatty."
What does my face have to do with my extra 100lbs? Seriously?
In any case I'd like an open dialog about the war on fat in nursing.
Do you see it in your practice? Are you militant anti-fat? If so why?
I've noticed that a good deal of the arguments that I've heard is fat is unhealthy, yet no one seems to see fat as being a symptom and not the disease.
I think it's because you have to be extremely motivated to go through the time and expense and inconvenience involved there, especially the raw foods approach. You also have to believe in unfounded science and that any authority who says humans might actually need at least some meat or other complete protein are being dishonest.
There are some for whom it is not a crusade, though. They just choose their diets and don't attempt to convert others.
It's true, changing to a plant based diet is not easy. It's a lifestyle change. It takes time. But most things in life aren't easy, and certainly not things that are worth it.
You want to talk expensive? Meat is expensive, and causes a host of health issues, including cancer.
Quality food does cost money, especially when you buy organic. But buying and consuming quality food now saves money that would be used for healthcare related costs of the future, due to health issues from a lifetime of unhealthy eating. And like I said, meat is expensive. Fruits, vegetables, beans, rice, and other grains cost less than say, 1 lb of organic wild caught salmon.
I'm a little confused when you mention 'unfounded science.' What are you referring to?
By the way, protein is present in all foods. Eat a variety of plant based foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes) and you will have no problem fulfilling the body's protein requirements. There are also soy and hemp based protein powders available, but they are usually unnecessary. Further more, "complete" plant-based proteins include soy, hemp, and quinoa.
You mention a crusade. Are you referring to people who care about the health and well being of animals? Who hate to see living things "manufactured" and handled for what people see them as, a commodity? I'm sure you've had a pet before. You know animals have emotions, just as we do. I cannot support the cruel mistreatment of these creatures that cannot speak for themselves. Honestly, it disgusts me the amount of disconnect many people have with the other creatures of the Earth. Although I know there are many people don't share my viewpoint, I hope one day humanity will realize the effect of it's actions.
"A nation and its moral progress can be judged on the way its animals are treated."
-Mahatma Ghandi
"Auschwitz begins wherever someone looks at a slaughterhouse and thinks: they're only animals."
-Theodor Adorno (1903-1969) German Jewish philosopher forced into exile by the Nazis
Please take time to view my links before you reply. Also, I wouldn't have gotten into the whole 'crusade' thing if you hadn't mentioned it first. Thanks
When I was 18 and a brand new nurse I was lifting a CVA patient, 6'4'' 280 lbs, with a lift that broke and injured my back that needed back surgery and a spinal fusion. But should I treat that patient any different because he hurt me? Should I not want to care for all patients like him for fear of getting hurt? Because hospitals refuse to buy equipment makes it OK to discriminate against these patients? Is it really OK to treat them any different and with less respect?
When did we as nurses become so judgemental and lose our empathy? I hear a lot of It hurts me! What about me? They don't care for themselves, why do I have to take care of "Them"
What about that poor patient that sees the disgust on your face and hears every word you say? Do any of you realize how much carries to the patient's room when they have nothing better to do than listen to your conversations. Like brandy1027 said about "Them" and certianly know how "those" obese patietns hurt her. Do you realize they know you don't want to care for "them"? Is that fair?
There but for the grace of GOD go I.........A little empathy please.
Nurses and healthcare staff continue to care for their patients no matter what the cost to themselves, neither I or anyone else is going to walk away from a patient because we don't have safe lifting equipment. On the contrary so many of us have been injured because we are doing our job without safe lifting equipment! I think the reality is that if we are in healthcare long enough we are going to get hurt eventually. But does this have to happen? No it does not! Barring freak accidents and broken equipment if we had safe lifting equipment there would be a lot less injuried workers and workers living in chronic pain!
Yes even with safe lift equipment, freak accidents can still happen, but the odds are in our favor for a safer work environment! We have the technology to create a virtually lift free environment if hospitals would spend the money! Sad to say it is apparently cheaper for them to just get rid of injured workers and hire new staff! So it appears we need a no lift federal law just like the safe needles law! If Bush hadn't repealed the ergonomic requirements of OSHA when he became president we would all probably be safer no matter where we worked or what we did!
We are living in an obesity epidemic and most people are unable to lose weight and keep it off barring such drastic measures as gastric bypass. Even the experts say lose just 10% and it will improve your health, that to me is proof of the failure of diets, exercise and diet pills. The diet pills only give modest weight loss, coupled with serious side effects of HTN, CVA, pulmonary HTN, heart attack and heart valve damage.
There is discrimination against the overweight in all aspects of life and obviously if a person could lose weight they would, it affects a person's personal life, social life, sexual relationships and good paying jobs and promotions, etc,etc. I don't think anybody want's to be overweight and obese, but the truth is most people are not going to lose a significant amount of weight barring gastric bypass surgery which is not risk free. Even then you probably won't reach the ideal weight you hoped for. The lap band is safer, though it results in less and slower weight loss.
I'm not a cruel person, nor do I try to hurt people's feelings whether patient or staff. I have a kind heart but that doesn't mean I'm blind to the fact that obese people could hurt me or my fellow coworkers. Being aware of the risks and trying to protect oneself doesn't mean a person is cruel or mean. We have to encourage independece among our patient's and not let them fall into the "helpless" routine if they are to go back home. I believe some patients play the helpless route because they want personal attention and pity, but that is not going to get them well and living back home independtly.
Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
to the OP please excuse this off-topic post but the leaf really put effort into it and deserved a reply thank you!
It's true, changing to a plant based diet is not easy. It's a lifestyle change. It takes time. But most things in life aren't easy, and certainly not things that are worth it.
theleaf-- the correlation between a higher risk for many diseases and high-fat, high-calorie, high-sugar diets has been accepted by most people for decades. A completely vegetarian or lacto/ovo/paleo/raw version of that would naturally be included. I'm pretty sure I learned what a legume was in first grade. Nurses spend a great deal of time trying to teach patients with any number of cardiovascular, respiratory and endocrine diseases that radically changing their former diets, not to mention smoking cessation and exercise education, is a lifestyle change. The high rate of noncompliance is really the only testament to that truth that you need.
You want to talk expensive? Meat is expensive, and causes a host of health issues, including cancer.
If you can provide me with links that support the statement that meat causes cancer, we may be able to deal with the unfounded science issue with some real-life examples of it.
The link to the article on Oprah.com actually contains what is wrong with it in the title, as well as an allusion to unfounded science. There isn't a shred of evidence that a vegetarian diet cures cancer. It's a hook to get people to read Oprah.com. The article inside is written by a lay person for a lay audience. The various studies she refers to may or may not be unfounded science.
Quality food does cost money, especially when you buy organic. But buying and consuming quality food now saves money that would be used for healthcare related costs of the future, due to health issues from a lifetime of unhealthy eating.
Our healthcare payment system isn't based on one person's lifestyle related health risks though. If it was, you'd have a point. There are some people who advocate for adjusting premium payments based on activities that lower overall risk, or providing an IRA-like medical account for each person.
You mention a crusade. Are you referring to people who care about the health and well being of animals? Who hate to see living things "manufactured" and handled for what people see them as, a commodity?
Aren't plants alive before you kill them and turn them into cereal? But no, what I meant by crusade would describe your post pretty well, but that's not a slam against you at all, especially because you took the time and effort to find and post workable links. I really applaud you for that.
By the way, you might want to check out the Break Room section of allnurses where there is lively discussion of issues like that by people who are just as passionate about these issues as you are. I think there is a Vegetarian Thread. Maybe it should be changed to the "Plant-Based Thread". :)
andy, are you serious about obesity not increasing risk of disease/illness?
i don't know how old you are, but would be curious to see how your health sustains in your senior years.
obesity costs us all.
if that makes me insensitive, so be it...
but i personally, am incredibly frustrated with the state of our nation.
exorbitant healthcare costs, and increasing obesity.
and, i tire of having to walk on eggshells because *we* lack sensitivity or empathy or compassion for obese people and the subsequent CRISIS.
andy, here is the info you seek about health risks assoc with obesity.
leslie
Actually, the info I was seeking was the anti-fat posters average sick days.
I know long term health issues exist.
hell, name 3 things that WON'T cause long term health issues.
My sisters husband is 38, and is... or was... athletic. (football all through school, weekend games with buddies, ran every morning... you know the type...) They're talking about knee replacement surgery for him... not due to some injury, but apparently just from wear & tear over the years. His back is also giving him hell.
How do you suspose his health will hold up into his 80's?
As for "i tire of having to walk on eggshells because *we* lack sensitivity or empathy or compassion for obese people"... well.... Adenovirus serotype 36 , Hypothyroidism, Cushing's Syndrome. (to name a few).
Sure, some of us fat folks just don't diet and get off our asses enough, but unless you personally know the entire history of each individual, you're making yourself come off as a rather ignorant person who just might be in the wrong profession.
And that's coming off as way more of a personal attack than intended... what I was getting at was that obesity can be the symptom of another issue, but you seem to be the type who take a quick glance at someone, and make up your mind that "he's fat" and that their story ends there.... and when someone who's chosen to go into nursing has decided that anyone who falls into a specific catagory doesn't deserve compasion, regardless of why they fit in that catagory, it's not really a good thing.
I was going to breeze right by this, but......the amount of judgement here makes me sad As a diabetic that controls with metformin and a ton of insulin, I'm not sure whether to laugh at or lecture the people in the "it's all about willpower - burn more calories than you put it!" camp. Who knew it was so easy??? I'll have to inform my endocrinologist. I'll also have to thank her and her staff for never making me feel like crap and always helping me with encouragement and information.
And Esme....that quote about the 12 days vs 12 pounds is spot on!
Sure, some of us fat folks just don't diet and get off our asses enough, but unless you personally know the entire history of each individual, you're making yourself come off as a rather ignorant person who just might be in the wrong profession.
And that's coming off as way more of a personal attack than intended... what I was getting at was that obesity can be the symptom of another issue, but you seem to be the type who take a quick glance at someone, and make up your mind that "he's fat" and that their story ends there.... and when someone who's chosen to go into nursing has decided that anyone who falls into a specific catagory doesn't deserve compasion, regardless of why they fit in that catagory, it's not really a good thing.
firstly, no offense taken.
it is very hard to offend me. :)
secondly, i am a seasoned, experienced and HYPERsensitive nurse and person.
please spare me your assumptions about my lack of insight towards obese pts, et al.
it is obvious there are reasons why one gains weight, often r/t medical conditions and/or their meds.
i maintain that if you fit in that category, there is no need to take offense.
but i also maintain there are many of us who make excuses for whatever ails them.
while there are meds that do favor weight gain, i've also known type 2 (obese) diabetics who no longer needed their metformin, as they lost the weight needed.
a couple of yrs ago, i was dx'd with lung ca.
had a lobectemy, refused chemo/rad.
this is a result of a 30+ yr smoking habit.
i confided in 2 people about it, that's it.
because - the last thing i want is sympathy.
i did this to myself, no one else.
my point being, being a no-nonsense person, i get irritated at those who pity themselves.
doesn't matter what it is, i dislike self-pity or self-deceit.
one needs to be truthful with oneself, in order to change.
obesity is rampant in this country, and shows no signs of slowing down.
it is a much-needed dialogue that needs to take place, less the histrionics of those who are offended.
what can we do, as healthcare professionals, in contributing positive change?
i do not find that an unreasonable concern.
it's unfortunate so many are making it about them.
What makes me upset are the people who don't want to help themselves. You can feel the lack of motivation when you enter the room. Any attempt at education is more frustrating than having a conversation with a rock. People have life struggles all the time, you never know what someone else is currently going through. But the difference between living life and being alive is the motivation to overcome the struggles you have. That is where I have tolerance issues. I cannot help someone who does not have the desire to even try.
That's a myth, a lie, or outright hippie propaganda... take your pick.
I'm a "huge fat guy", and have been to ther hospital for injury a few times, (mainly stitches from doing stupid things, not weight related crap) but it's been over 15 years since I've been there for illness.
I average one sick day at work every second year.
What are your stats like?
This has to be a troll or just in denial. Even if you didn't suffer any comorbidities due to obesity, there are millions of others that do. Musculoskeletal damage, cardiovascular or cerebrovascular damage, increase in inflammatory interleukins, autoinsulinemia, change in androgen-estrogenic response, ect... Even if you didn't look at the research - the peer reviewed widely available to the public and other researchers - basic understanding of even entry level anatomy and physio can tell you that being obese is not healthy.
In fact I would go so far as to say that accommodating attitude towards obesity and the complacency by the public is what is driving this trend. Projections of trends until 2030 assert that 40-50% of Americans will be obese. That is frightening and disturbing.
The "it's OK to be overweight" or "some people look better fat" notions are part of what perpetuates this cycle of illness. It's nothing more than coping mechanisms to protect the ego from insult and tactless to play the discrimination card.
It is in poor taste to ridicule someone for being overweight, especially when it is brought on by something out of their control (drug or disease, high genetic predisposition, hormonogenic neoplasms). But it is even worse to be accepting of it.
Personal note: I'm not militant anti-obese, rather militant-healthy living for my self and society.
Even if you didn't suffer any comorbidities due to obesity, there are millions of others that do.
Which is kind of my point...
Sure, lots do... but not ALL. The offence I (kinda sorta almost) took is to the blanket statements like "Being overweight does increase health problems".... like it's a 100 % carved in stone fact.
Why not preach on about all the other activities that COULD cause health issues.
This will end up closed, there is an infamous thread on obese drs, pts and nurses somewhere. I appreciate any dr who tells a fat person that they need to lose weight for his/her health if that is what it is.. sometimes it is the big huge elephant in the room no one wants to mention. eating your weight to massive problems IS just like shooting your arm up into an abcess induced amputation. Caring for 400lbs incontient pts who need turn and repo is NOT EASY and it IS more difficult than if they were 120lbs. Maybe that nurse is militant about it because it affects her. Especially when there are only 5 staff members in the floor ranging from 90lbs to 150lb when 75% of them are under 120lbs. it is what it is by any other name it still is what it is. Many nurses, drs, think this way as do accountants, lawyers, etc. Everyone here knows about the porifice smell and all of that yeast under tons of rolls. My way of thinking in life has always been, if you do not like what society thinks of you either change yourself or accept it/ignore it. do not excpect them to change. and of course a nurse, who is affected by your weight, if you are not a walkie talkie, will have an opinion on it.
As a diabetic that controls with metformin and a ton of insulin, I'm not sure whether to laugh at or lecture the people in the "it's all about willpower - burn more calories than you put it!" camp. Who knew it was so easy??? I'll have to inform my endocrinologist. I'll also have to thank her and her staff for never making me feel like crap and always helping me with encouragement and information.
theleaf
35 Posts
It's true, changing to a plant based diet is not easy. It's a lifestyle change. It takes time. But most things in life aren't easy, and certainly not things that are worth it.
You want to talk expensive? Meat is expensive, and causes a host of health issues, including cancer.
Meatless meals: The benefits of eating less meat - MayoClinic.com
Can a Plant-Based Diet Cure Cancer? - Oprah.com
Quality food does cost money, especially when you buy organic. But buying and consuming quality food now saves money that would be used for healthcare related costs of the future, due to health issues from a lifetime of unhealthy eating. And like I said, meat is expensive. Fruits, vegetables, beans, rice, and other grains cost less than say, 1 lb of organic wild caught salmon.
I'm a little confused when you mention 'unfounded science.' What are you referring to?
Type 2 diabetes and the vegetarian diet
PCRM | New Dietary Guidelines Back Plant-Based Diets to Fight Obesity
http://tde.sagepub.com/content/36/1/33.abstract
By the way, protein is present in all foods. Eat a variety of plant based foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes) and you will have no problem fulfilling the body's protein requirements. There are also soy and hemp based protein powders available, but they are usually unnecessary. Further more, "complete" plant-based proteins include soy, hemp, and quinoa.
http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/protein.htm
You mention a crusade. Are you referring to people who care about the health and well being of animals? Who hate to see living things "manufactured" and handled for what people see them as, a commodity? I'm sure you've had a pet before. You know animals have emotions, just as we do. I cannot support the cruel mistreatment of these creatures that cannot speak for themselves. Honestly, it disgusts me the amount of disconnect many people have with the other creatures of the Earth. Although I know there are many people don't share my viewpoint, I hope one day humanity will realize the effect of it's actions.
"A nation and its moral progress can be judged on the way its animals are treated."
-Mahatma Ghandi
"Auschwitz begins wherever someone looks at a slaughterhouse and thinks: they're only animals."
-Theodor Adorno (1903-1969) German Jewish philosopher forced into exile by the Nazis
Please take time to view my links before you reply. Also, I wouldn't have gotten into the whole 'crusade' thing if you hadn't mentioned it first. Thanks