This week Jillian spent five days in Camp Verde, Arizona on a Native American reservation with a population of 2,000 people, 90% of them obese. Diabetes is on the rise in this community and council leader Cora-Lei asked for Jillian's help. Cora-Lei, her mom, son, and sister have health issues related to obesity. Cora-Lei felt that if she would do something to become healthier, she could influence her tribal nation to do the same.
Though we were first introduced to Cora-Lei and her family, the show seemed to focus more on the entire community which would explain why Jillian stayed in the local lodge and not in Cora-Lei's home.
This week's episode seemed a bit choppy to me. It was like they tried to get too much information in a short amount of time but didn't flesh out enough of the story. I didn't feel any emotional connections with anyone, not even Jillian. Though it was interesting to learn about fry bread. It appeared to be a really bad staple in the community's diet, which they deemed a traditional food. But when it was discussed, it was determined to be what became traditional after the tribes were moved to reservations and their natural way of life taken away.
Jillian went to a community picnic and threw away the fry bread, which was basically deep fried dough. Her behavior was deemed disrespectful by the tribal leader because they don't waste food. But he later told Jillian she caused discussion among the people and thanked her for helping them find a healthier way.
It didn't appear that emotional issues were causing the health problems for this community as it did for other families in previous episodes. It seemed to be a lack of information. Once they learned why it was bad they asked for help on how to change it. This wasn't a discussion that plucked at a veiwer's heartstrings — at least not at mine and I've been told I'm too sensitive sometimes.
Article comments
1 - JILL T.
This was interesting going in to a tribe! Much needed! Ruthie as always I love reading your thoughts! P.S. hope the Dog is ok! : )
2 - Ruthie
Thanks Jill for your kind words and sharing your thoughts on the show. Apparently the dog had a home and had gotten away. Not sure why they didn't share that part on the show. But from what Jillian posted on Twitter the dog is fine :-)
Thanks again!
3 - Marie
I like the show but this one wasn't my favorite. I wonder how they determined which people to help and put on the show? As always Ruthie.... GREAT ARTICLE.
4 - Ruthie
Thanks Marie..from what I've seen on NBC's message board..They have a page for casting. So far they haven't picked the show up for another season so casting is closed for now. Thanks again.
5 - g
dogs always run free on the Rez. It is somewhat freeing for them and somewhat dangerous in terms of traffic, but they are more wild than tame.
6 - Ruthie
Thanks G. for the information. Hopefully one day they will have safety measures for pets. The dogs kept as pets must be leashed like in my community. Allowing them to run free I think would hinder taming them. Thanks again for posting.