Obesity and Pain, the Unwelcome Connection

Research shows obesity heightens the risk of various health issues, and weight loss can alleviate pain more effectively than some treatments. Studies highlight the links between obesity and back pain across different demographics.

Whether it’s extra weight gained from holiday eating or excess weight you’ve carried for years, the new year is the perfect time to lose it.

 

I’ve written before about reasons to maintain a healthy weight at Why Obesity matters. Multiple health conditions including diabetes, heart disease, even cancer can stem from excess weight.

But here’s another reason to shed those excess pounds or kilos- pain.

Obesity increases the risk of chronic pain especially back pain , and weight loss leads to significant decrease in pain, sometimes more effectively than medications and surgery.

Pain management specialists discussed the relationship of obesity and back pain at the American Academy of Pain Medicine annual meeting. Medical research studies conducted at the Mayo Clinic linked obesity to back pain. Other studies implicated obesity in cases of arm, knee, hip and back pain in adolescents as well as elderly people.

A study from Norway of 64000 people showedpeople with a BMI greater than 30were more likely to develop low back painthan those with a BMI under 25.

Body mass index chart
A BMI OF 30 or more represents obesity. BMI Chart created by Vertex42.com. Used with permission.

 

An Australian study showed that both obesity and smoking are related to back pain.

No Smoking sign with pumpkins
sign posted at a produce market in rural Georgia

 

Here is a recap of this blog’s obesity related information

How achieving emotional healing can lead to weight loss

How a woman kicked her addiction to junk food and now helps others to do the same

Comparing different weight loss programs

How attitudes affect weight loss efforts

 

Exploring the HEART of Health

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Dr. Aletha

Exploring the Santo Nino de Atocha Chapel

Santo Nino de Atocha, the manifestation of Jesus as a child, is the patron of travelers, miners, the imprisoned and “los desamparados” (the abandoned). Santo Nino is said to wander the night on foot looking for people most in need of his help.

 

Santo Nino de Atocha Chapel

While visiting northeastern New Mexico, my husband and I discovered the little town, of Chimayho, home to this historic church, Santo Nino de Atocha Chapel, with some fascinating history. The towns of Santa Fe, Taos, and Angel Fire are nearby. I hope you enjoy my photos.

 

 
IMG_2470

The chapel of Santo Nino de Atocha was built in 1856 by the Medina family after Severiano Medina made a pilgrimage to Fresnillo, Mexico in fulfillment of his promise to God.

children's chapel in New Mexico
Santo Nino de Atocha chapel- Holy Child of Atocha Chapel Chimayo, New Mexico

Santo Nino de Atocha, the manifestation of Jesus as a child, is the patron of travelers, miners, the imprisoned, and “los desamparados” (the abandoned). Santo Nino is said to wander the night on foot looking for people most in need of his help.

Men of northern New Mexico, stationed in the Philippines at the outbreak of WWII, prayed to Santo Nino during the Siege of Corregidor and the subsequent Bataan Death March. In the late 1940’s the survivors of the Death March and their families began the first Holy Week pilgrimage to Chimayo and the shrine of Santo Nino (which was housed, at that time, at el Santuario de Chimayo).

Santo Nino de Atocha Chapel was acquired by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe in 1992 and was renovated as a modern Children’s Chapel. Inside a small room adjoining the main chapel is a large bulto of Santo Nino made by the well-known santero, Felix Lopez. Filling the shelves are hundreds of pairs of children’s shoes and other offerings left for Santo Nino, who constantly needs new shoes because of his long journeys on foot.

bulto-an image of a saint carved in wood and polychromed made in the southwestern U.S. and Latin America in the 18th and 19th centuries

santero-a person who makes religious images

It is said to be the largest chapel in the world dedicated to children.

I’d love for you to follow this blog and follow me on social media.

I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

a world globe with two crossed bandaids

Doctor Aletha

also in New Mexico-the Taos Pueblo

The Art and Science of New Mexico

Taos is an art mecca both within the town and at the Taos Pueblo, which is also a must see for those interested in  Native American history and culture. At the pueblo, tribe members display and sell handmade arts and crafts.

Keep reading