OUR STATE OF HEALTH ISN'T GOOD.

Byline: Michael Coit Staff Writer

The popular image of healthy Californians who eat well and exercise frequently took a hit Tuesday in a state report that found adults are eating more burgers and fries and fewer fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy products.

More than half of those surveyed also exercised less than twice a week and obesity has increased as a result, according to the California Dietary Practices Survey.

Not surprisingly, the number of people who ate fast food the day before they were surveyed jumped to 48 percent in 1997, as compared with 37 percent in 1989.

``We're really in the throes of a public health crisis,'' said Desiree Backman, a nutritionist and public health doctor for the state Department of Health Services. ``It's very startling and very serious. We thought we were doing better.''

It's a trend Californians can't be proud of setting.

Some people in the San Fernando Valley said Tuesday that they were concerned about eating healthy meals, but ate fast food occasionally because they were pressed for time.

Tom Bagwell ended a long day with a large cheeseburger, fries and a shake at a Fat Burger restaurant in Woodland Hills.

``This is my rare treat,'' he said ``I just don't feel like doing any cooking tonight,'' he said.

The private school administrator said he starts each day with yogurt, enjoys steamed vegetables and lots of fruit. But he's not surprised that more adults eat out these days.

``I think it's a time-crunch thing, but I also think the value of meals isn't stressed as much anymore,'' Bagwell said.

Another customer at the Fat Burger had a particularly busy profile.

``It's definitely time. I just got off from work, plus I'm going to school and have a kid,'' said Amber Richardson.

The survey's findings are troubling given how much more is generally known these days about the benefits of healthy eating and regular exercise, public health officials said.

The combination of poor diet and physical inactivity is the second-greatest preventable cause of death, behind only tobacco use. Some 35,000 Californians will die from heart attacks, strokes, diabetes and other illnesses as a result this year, public health officials said.

``We live in the richest agricultural state in the world, yet we're passing up healthy foods like fruit, vegetables and low-fat milk for foods high in fat and added sugar,'' said state Health Officer James Stratton. ``These eating habits will cause more illness, premature deaths and increased health care costs.''

In response, public health officials this year launched stronger educational outreach efforts to encourage healthier eating and exercise. The campaign includes public service announcements, brochures, promotions in stores, billboard advertising, community events and even a photo documentary highlighting California women who improved their lives.

The survey has been conducted every two years since 1989, through 1997. More than 5,000 adult men and women were surveyed over those years.

Public health officials for the first time compared the results across the eight-year period and also factored in the results of an annual state health department survey that assesses exercise and obesity.

Key findings include:

Fruits and vegetables: 33 percent of adults ate five daily servings in 1989 and 1997, but that had increased to 37 percent in the early 1990s.

Whole grains: 44 percent of adults didn't eat any whole grain breads, corn tortillas or high fiber cereal on the survey day in 1997, compared with 40 percent in 1989.

Milk products: 23 percent of adults consumed no milk, cheese or other milk products daily in 1997, compared with 24 percent in 1991, which was the first year this category was included.

Meat: In one of the few positive findings, 68 percent of adults ate red meat fewer than three times a week.

Beans: Another positive finding was that 30 percent of adults ate beans every other day in 1997, compared with 22 percent in 1989.

Not only do adults appear to have less time to eat right, they also fail to exercise at least 20 minutes a day, two days a week. The percentage of adults who do not meet that goal increased from 49 percent in 1984 to 54 percent in 1996, according to the separate state study on behavioral risks.

That study also found that 28 percent of men were overweight or obese in 1997 compared with 19 percent in 1984. For women, 28 percent were overweight or obese in 1997 compared with 17 percent in 1984.

Exercise can be easy. Walking around the neighborhood, working in the garden, playing with kids often is enough.

``If we can allocate our time a little each day, that does so much to keep our heart healthy, reduce our risk for cancer and keep our body weight in balance,'' Backman said.

One answer has been a state health program that encourages healthy nutrition and physical activity through health fairs, community events, school programs and other outreach efforts. Los Angeles County has one of the 10 Project LEAN - Leaders Encouraging Activity and Nutrition - programs.

``We're trying to make good nutrition fun, to make it a lifestyle choice,'' said Sharon Miles Eller, the registered dietitian leading the Los Angeles program.

``As a whole it's just small changes, just a little bit here and a little bit there,'' she said. ``You don't need to never have french fries again. You don't have to be a marathon runner, you can walk around the block a few times a week.''

CAPTION(S):

Photo, 2 Boxes

Photo: (Color) no caption (Fruits and vegetables)

Box: (1) Food for thought

Source: California Department of Health Services, 1989-1997 surveys

Daily News

(2) HEALTHY EATING