Our Big Problem

Alabama has plenty of problems. There’s one problem, however, many of us can see every time we look in a mirror.

The below stories encompass an occasional series examining the spread of obesity and related health problems in Alabama, and the bigger questions facing our society as a result.
Southern culinary tradition one factor in obesity
There's a good reason the old TV show "Hee-Haw" always had a segment where offstage voices shouted "Hey, Grandpa, what's for supper?" Food is a rich portion of our culture — sometimes too rich.
Apr 09, 2012 |  0 comments | 15 15 recommendations | email to a friend
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How we know we're getting fatter: the numbers
“We believe it’s accurate because we see consistency from year to year,” said Sharon Reese, who directs a survey for the Alabama Department of Health.
Apr 08, 2012 |  0 comments | 10 10 recommendations | email to a friend
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Why Alabama can't keep the weight off
“People who are poor will buy high-calorie, high-energy food because it’s cheap,” said Tannista Banerjee, a health economist at Auburn University. “With $2 or $3 to spend, you can buy a meal that seems filling, but isn’t very healthy.”
Apr 08, 2012 |  0 comments | 18 18 recommendations | email to a friend
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‘Mom, why am I fat?’ Shock campaign has Alabama’s neighbor talking about weight
There’s a bare room with two folding chairs. A mother and her young son enter, sit down, and look at each other for an uncomfortably long time. Then the boy asks a question. “Mom, why am I fat?”
Apr 08, 2012 |  0 comments | 8 8 recommendations | email to a friend
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Tuesday, 18, 2013
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HOT BLAST: A little sports advice for Gov. Bentley
Jun 18, 2013 | 98 views |  0 comments | 10 10 recommendations | email to a friend | print
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks during the Clinton Global Initiative America's meeting last week.  (AP Photo/Scott Eisen)
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks during the Clinton Global Initiative America's meeting last week. (AP Photo/Scott Eisen)
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Dear Gov. Robert Bentley,

If asked to name your favorite sports team, do NOT follow the lead of this Republican governor.

Politico reports on this comment from Chris Christie: "My favorite football team is not the New York Giants. It’s not the New York Jets. And it’s not the Philadelphia Eagles. No, get ready now. My favorite football team are the Dallas Cowboys.”

Did we mention Christie is the governor of New Jersey. That would be like the governor of Alabama saying his favorite team was Notre Dame.

- Bob Davis
New York Mets shortstop Omar Quintanilla (3) holds up the ball after tagging out Atlanta Braves Jason Heyward trying to steal second base. (AP Photo/Todd Kirkland)
New York Mets shortstop Omar Quintanilla (3) holds up the ball after tagging out Atlanta Braves Jason Heyward trying to steal second base. (AP Photo/Todd Kirkland)
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