Obesity in Puerto Rico

Did you know that roughly 65% of the population of Puerto Rico is obese? According to a recent study I read in the local paper (note: it's in Spanish) an estimated 97% of those living in the Island of Echantment will encounter weight-related health problems by 2025. Eating fast food, having a sedentary lifestyle, and owning a car, among many other factors, makes it quite difficult to be healthy. In the battle of the bulges, the U.S is probably the first country which comes to mind, but Puerto Rico is actually much worse. In fact, having an obesity rate of 30.6% makes the U.S look skinny.

If you've ever visited Puerto Rico, you'll easily recognize this problem of obesity. Unfortunately, I don't think people realize the consequences of being heavy. Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and respiratory problems, are just some of the life-threatening illnesses which may result from being obese. Obviously, adopting a healthy lifestyle does require a lot of effort and discipline. Sadly, hardly anyone ever walks here. Moreover, many people prefer to undergo gastric bypass surgery. Recently, the local government passed a law which actually requires health insurance companies to cover this procedure. Isn't it sad when people choose to go under the knife, instead of just eating less and excercising more?

Many things in life are easier said than done, I agree. However, one would think, each and everyone of us is responsible for our own health. Sadly, the truth of the matter is, obesity has become a serious public health issue throughout the world. Childhood obesity is especially of utmost concern. Roughly 30% of children and adolescents living in Puerto Rico suffer from weight problems. I suppose it would help if they have role models to look up to, not to mention spending more time off the couch. Watching the Olympics every night has left me inspired, especially seeing Michael Phelps work his magic. I sure hope that many others are inspired by him and start being more active!

(Photo Credit: Carla D. Martínez/El Nuevo Día)

Let the Games Begin!

Since this past Monday, the local papers have been intensely covering the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, which officially kicks off after tomorrow's opening ceremonies. Although Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of the U.S, it does have its very own delegation. The Island of Echantment was first recognized by the International Olympic Committee in 1948 and has won six bronze medals since then. Interestingly, all six were won in one single category... boxing! This year's delegation is at a mere 22 athletes, which would make it the smallest in the past 56 years. The previous Olympic Games in Athens, the delegation comprised of 43 athletes. So, what is the cause of this dramatic drop? Personally, I think Puerto Rico is too heavily focused on baseball, basketball and boxing. Yes, the three B's. On the other hand, some blame the intense competition in the international arena.

In my opinion, there's nothing better than watching athletes from all over the world compete in the olympic games. It's the commarderie and the spirit amongst the athletes which makes it interesting for all to see. I am also curious as to how the events will unfold during this year's games, as it is a symbol of China's desire to be considered as one of the superpowers of the world. Just watching the skirmishes during olympic torch relay made me wonder if the games were to take place at all. The whole issue of Tibet, human rights, and politics. Anyhow, I won't get into that. Regardless of all the controversies and issues surrounding this year's Olympic Games, I have no doubt in my mind that this will be one for the history books.


(Images obtained from the Official Website of the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympic Games)

Destination: Salinas, Puerto Rico

After several days of rain, the sun was back in full force today. It has been a while since our last road trip, so we decided it was time to go out for another adventure. This time, I chose Salinas

because I was in the mood for some seafood. For those of you who have never been to Salinas, it is in the southern part of Puerto Rico and it's a little less than an hour away from San Juan. It's a small, rugged little town known for its seafood restaurants.

This is my second time in Salinas. The last time I was there was on New Years' Day 2007. It was a ghost town, nothing was open but I always wanted to go back and try some of its seafood. All the restaurants and food vendors are a stone's throw away from the beach. We ate at a place that wasn't too bad. The paella we ordered wasn't the best, but the empanadillas we ordered were fantastic! Empanadillas are fried turnovers. We ordered two, one filled with lobster and the other with squid.

There are a lot of seafood restaurants throughout the island, but I would have to say that Puerto Rican cuisine is primarily focused on meat. It was a bit far traveling to Salinas just for seafood but I enjoyed every minute of it. I like discovering and exploring the little towns, with its pretty plazas and churches. It's as if you've stepped back into the past. What I liked about Salinas is how uncommercialized it is. You'll see a lot of small shacks selling empanadillas. It comes as no surprise why many boricuas come from all parts of the island to kick back and enjoy some good food.

Who Has the World's Most Public Holidays?

Today was yet another day of celebration here in the Island of Enchantment, it is Constitution Day. During the month of July, Puerto Rico observes four public holidays! I tried looking up to see which country in the world has the most public holidays, but I couldn't quite find a definite answer. Nevertheless, I would not be surprised if Puerto Rico makes it to the top 3. After all, Mother and Father's Day are considered to be public holidays. Obviously, this doesn't necessarily everyone mean has a day off. However, I would say those who work for the local government have it quite sweet. They have a total of 21 days off for the entire 2008 calendar year. Incredible, isn't it? Meanwhile, Federal employees have a total of 10 days. When I worked in New York, in the private sector, my employer gave us six days.

I don't mean to complain, but it certainly is interesting to compare and contrast. Unsurprisingly, the U.S is the most productive country in the world. Americans work long hours and days. Puerto Ricans have a completely different mentality. Generally speaking, Puerto Ricans have a much better sense of work/life balance. I'm adjusting to the cultural differences. However, I still find it hard to believe how everything is closed on Mother and Father's Day, except for businesses located in tourist areas. I suppose this means I must get my shopping done in advance.

(Photo Credit: Carlos Giusti/Primera Hora)