Is this little facet of knowledge alarming? Should it be? and, how concerned are we as a society about this global epidemic??
Yes, i did use the word epidemic because that's exactly what this is. Using the trusty site, www.dictionary.com, I found the definition of epidemic to be the rapid spread or increase in the occurence of something. In this case, it's a disease. Obesity is a disease with an endless list of health related areas that it has a negative impact on.
Do we really want to live in a world where more people are overweight than not? A world where people are unable to perform normal, daily functions because their obesity is stopping them? Do we want to witness a world first hand when for the first time in history the lifespan of the average human starts to decline simply because he or she can't say no that jumbo sized tub of greasy fries?
YOU CAN'T TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS
Most everyone is familiar with this saying. What this dog is trying to tell us is that change in our general lifestyle becomes more difficult the older we get. Human beings like to use the excuse of age and slowed metabolism and less free time to account for their packing of the pounds. But, if that's the case, then what excuse do the children have? What about the young children who are eating fatty foods and watching television or playing video games inside all day instead of going out and getting some fresh air? What excuse do they have?
YOU GUESSED IT, NONE
The early years of your life are supposed to be your most active. It's the way we were designed. It's most natural for the young to engage in more physical activity than, let's say a middle aged adult. So, if you're young and reading this pull yourself away from the computer screen and go get some exercise. Or, you can continue reading, but after your done viewing my content, feel free to go outside.
It's not uncommon to hear debate around the issue of physical education and recess time allotted in school. One side argues that academics are more important and therefore should not be forfeitted to grant extra recess time. The other side opts for a 'no child with a fat behind' side (try that on for size dubya) and advocates for longer recesses and gym or physical education side. You see, books and studying are important, but so is excerise and play, and maybe just maybe, physical activity is more important than academics with our youngest generations.
MY NAME IS JOE SMO AND MY CHILD'S FAT
I'm thinking that maybe the concerned parents of the world who worry about their children's flirtation with fatness should form a coalition, one giant forum, where they can hash out their problems. Instead of alcoholics anonymous (AA) it would be something like Obesity not too Anonymous (OntA) because if your child's fat we can pretty much see that, sorry.
According to a study released on www.obesity.org nearly 30% of parents in America are concerned about their children's weight. And, a higher percentage, 35% believe our school systems are doing a poor job of teaching our children how to not be fat.
There are things that are out of our control, such as... most of the world around us. It's impossible to block fast food restaurants, addictive videogames, commericials promoting unhealthy habits and all restaurants in general from our children. (Let's not place all the blame on fastfood chains, regular sit-down, fine dine restaurants are often times just as bad if not worse) But the things we can control, if your a parent that is, is family life and the school system. Believe it or not, you do have a say in these matters.
TIPS TO KEEP YOUR CHILDREN HEALTHY
If your wondering how to promote physical activity and nutritition the best way is through imatation. That's right if your going to make your child eat brussel sprouts you should too. This way it shows him or her that being healthy is a good thing.
YOU ARE A ROLE MODEL
Promote physical activity through yourself. Set aside a time to engage your family in some group activity that you all can enjoy (biking, hiking, rollerblading etc.) I know you don't have much time, but they do. Once you get them started chances are they will pick up on it and continue the fun on their own free time.
So, America, and the rest of the world, don't go down without a fight. Or don't plump up without a fight seems more appropriate. Go out do some exercise and have some fun.
