Special to The Mississippi Link
New Episode of “Southern Remedy: Mississippi’s Big Problem” to Air August 31 Third Episode in Four-Part Series Links Obesity, Health Care and Economics in Mississippi
JACKSON – Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) announces the premiere of part three in its special television series, “Southern Remedy: Mississippi’s Big Problem.” The program focuses on the state’s obesity epidemic and attempts to change Mississippi’s poor bill of health.
In this third episode, airing Wednesday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m., MPB explores how obesity impacts the state’s economy. Host Dr. Rick deShazo follows the money trail linking obesity, health care and economics.
“The adverse economic effects of obesity on Mississippi are amplified as overweight and obese individuals have, on average, 41.5 percent more health costs per year than normal-weight individuals,” said deShazo, host of “Southern Remedy” and professor of medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. “In an economy that requires high levels of educational accomplishment and personal competency, Mississippi’s obesity will hinder our ability to rise above our historic last place in economic and educational indicators. The economic realities will continue to result in cutbacks and underfunding of educational institutions and programs in the state unless something changes.”
The news is not all bad, though. In its third episode, “Mississippi’s Big Problem” highlights three wellness ventures that are improving the health of Mississippi communities.
Janell and Anthony Edwards are the founders of Fit to Fat, a wellness program for the residents of Jefferson County, Miss. Tupelo’s HealthWorks! is an interactive children’s health learning center focused on teaching kids healthy lifestyles in a fun way.
North Sunflower Medical Center in Ruleville, Miss., is a hospital that has come back from the near financial ruin and is providing superior service to the local community.
“One of the important aspects of this episode is that it shows how necessary it is to focus on solutions to Mississippi’s dangerous obesity problem,” said Ronnie Agnew, MPB’s executive director. “If we are to address this critical healthcare issue, it is imperative that we showcase programs that are making a difference and hold the potential of changing lives through education. We are all aware of the tremendous costs associated with obesity issues. It’s a step forward to learn from programs that are offering real solutions.”
Joining deShazo on this episode is Ed Said, MPB’s healthy-eating puppet who inspires children to eat well and be active. Ed and Dr. Rick discuss how kids can make healthy choices every day.
For more information on “Southern Remedy,” please visit www.mpbonline.org/southernremedy
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