Minnesota is known as “the fittest state in the nation”. Our state’s fine climate, its friendly folks, and its famous hot-dish hospitality combine to keep the overall health of Minnesotans well above the national norm. Sadly, however, we are below par in one important area of health: obesity. In fact, here in the North Star State, almost 61% of the population is overweight or obese.

And while looking bad is a consequence of obesity, it’s far from the worst. Obesity kills people, both by wrecking their health and by destroying their spirit. Elevated blood sugar levels and coronary problems aside, the shame and self-hatred felt by many of the obese can lead to serious psychological problems – even suicide.

Unfortunately, many Minnesotans try gimmicks in an attempt to slim down — fad diets, exercise programs, so-called weight-loss pills, etc. Most of them quickly regain any lost weight later on. Yet many obese people ignore or are unaware of the best method of losing weight: a medically-supervised program of dietary changes and increased activity. Experience has shown that such programs work well for most people who want to attain a healthy weight.

For some extremely obese people, of course, things are too far advanced for a 100% lifestyle-based obesity therapy. Fortunately, another option exists: weight loss surgery.

Surgical weight loss procedures – also known as bariatric surgery — have been proven to help ease –or even cure – many co-morbidities, which are health conditions related to obesity. It can also help those who are obese but have no co-morbidities to reach their ideal weight, and guard against future health complications.

The three main types of weight loss surgery are malabsorptive, restrictive and combination surgery, each with different risks and benefits. Malabsorptive procedures alter the patient’s intestinal tract, changing the way the body absorbs food; restrictive procedures create a small pouch that limits the amount of food a person can eat; and combination procedures, like the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, create a small stomach pouch and alter the intestinal tract.

For those with morbid obesity, weight loss surgery can mean the difference between life and death. It is not, however, magic. Recovery from obesity is a whole-life process; patients who fail to alter their lifestyles after surgery may regain any weight lost. Weight loss surgery is a serious step. The risks associated with these procedures are real, and should always be discussed beforehand in consultation with a physician.

Minnesota is a fantastic place to play golf. The many fine Minnesota golf resorts located in various parts of the state are perfect destinations for your summer get-away. Listing all the Minnesota golf resorts and their amenities would be quite lengthy and the space of this article does not permit that degree of detail. Instead I will highlight a couple of favorite Minnesota golf resort destinations, but rest assured that there are many other fine locations across the state.

Perhaps the premier Minnesota golf resort destination is the Brainerd lakes area. Golf Digest magazine agrees and lists this area of Minnesota as one of the top golf destinations in the USA. Madden’s, Cragun’s and Grand View Lodge are just a few of the Minnesota golf resorts in the Brainerd lakes area and represent the larger golf resort experience. But what if you want a smaller experience? Here is a suggestion; why not check out Birch Bay Resort which has it’s own 9-hole golf course along with cabin rental as well as water activities for the entire family.

The Alexandria area is another favorite destination and another fine Minnesota golf resort is the Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center on the shores of Lake Darling. You can experience golf at Atikwa Golf Club at Arrowwood as well as the many fine area golf courses that call Alexandria their home. Alexandria is also the boyhood home of PGA Tour player and past USA Ryder Cup Captain Tom Lehman.

The Detroit Lakes area is another hidden gem in Minnesota and a golf resort that doesn’t get nearly enough attention from the Twin Cities population base is the Fair Hills Resort featuring the Wild Flower Golf Course. As with the Arrowwood Resort near Alexandria you can stay at Fair Hills and make this your home base while you spend the week discovering the other fine local golf courses just a short drive away.

The Old Barn Resort and Rivers’ Bend Golf Course is a Minnesota golf resort that specializes in a wide variety of family activities. Nestled in the Root River bluff country near Preston, which is located in southeastern Minnesota, this is a camping and golf experience that will have you coming back again and again.

Thumper Pond, near the city of Ottertail in northwestern Minnesota, offers the complete golf resort experience. In addition to the golf course there is also a spa, indoor waterpark and of course lodging and dining facilities.

As you can see there numerous choices offered in Minnesota golf resorts such as areas of the state to stay and play as well as services offered at each facility. This is just a small listing of what Minnesota has to offer as you plan your next golf get-away.