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I was a thin child and a thin adult and had my first heart attack in my early 40's. Go figure.
Kids in our area no longer have PE (gym) on a regular basis either and I think they only have to take one semester of it anyway. That was how it was for my sons who graduated a few years ago. Most get exercise through sports programs, not in school. It wasn't that way when I was growing up. We had gym every single day all the way through high school.
I remember back when in the early 60's JFK started his physical fitness program for youth. Tho I'm against 'socialized' anything, that fitness program was good and the schools did participate. Today there's nothing like that and that's unfortunate.
What are some ways we can combat obesity, particularly childhood obesity, in this country?
Considering it doesn't look like health insurance companies are going away soon and they're going to keep raising rates, it's certainly a good idea to be in good shape.
I would love to be over a program in my state that would try to encourage kids to work out more, try to get more physical education in schools, and have more neighborhood recreation centers kids can go to in order to be active. I know a lot of parents are worried about their kids being safe outside so that would help alleviate some fears.
There's a simple solution: put the burden of a healthy lifestyle on the parents, where it belongs. You do that the same way insurance companies rate drivers based on their driving record. More accidents, more moving vehicle violations, higher premiums. If insurers were allowed to jack up the health insurance premiums of parents with fat kids you'd see a real decline of obesity in this country.
I agree that it comes down to the parents. While I'd like to see more PE in schools, it's not the only answer. Kids have to want to participate, which many do not. Heck, a lot of high school teams in my area have a hard time getting enough kids to join. It's still free here but most kids don't want to play because they'd rather spend those few hours after school texting, playing video games, watching TV or getting on the internet, and eating instead of practicing.
I'm not that old and when I was in elementary, we had PE time and recess where we couldn't wait to get our football game started. After school, we almost always played outside.
I've given up on the obesity fight. I can control my child, my body, thats it. The rest of the idiots are just going to have to go the way of the dinosaur.
I've given up on the obesity fight. I can control my child, my body, thats it. The rest of the idiots are just going to have to go the way of the dinosaur.
I would agree with you, however I am afraid my tax money is paying for bypass surgery for people who don't have the self-control to go jogging instead of picking up the remote...
If people actually took care of themselves not only would obesity not be a problem, but the health care crisis would be a very minor issue as well. It is a shame that responsible people are punished for the poor actions of the irresponsible...
I wonder how long after healthcare is passed will it take to start seeing studies which confirm the obvious, that fat people are prone to health issues...
Dam, that was quick, it didnt even take passing of the bill to tell us what we all knew..
I'm against mandatory PE in school. I think that kids need to get more focused on academics, that stuff can be taken care of outside of the school environment.
I had mandatory PE twice a week the entire time I was in school, and considered it pretty pointless. My kids didn't have it at all after 6th grade, and I agree with terminating the requirement.
For validation of my sentiment, California has mandatory PE in school. Since California government can be counted on to be on the wrong side of practically any issue, this should seal the discussion:
Mandatory P.E.: Gym isn't just dodge ball anymore - Sacramento Living - Sacramento Food and Wine, Home, Health | Sacramento Bee (http://www.sacbee.com/847/story/2307604.html - broken link)
I would agree with you, however I am afraid my tax money is paying for bypass surgery for people who don't have the self-control to go jogging instead of picking up the remote...
If people actually took care of themselves not only would obesity not be a problem, but the health care crisis would be a very minor issue as well. It is a shame that responsible people are punished for the poor actions of the irresponsible...
Like I previously stated, it becomes yet another "nanny state" issue.
What are some ways we can combat obesity, particularly childhood obesity, in this country?
The original question was, what can we do? Instead of lamenting the problem, suggesting to others what they can do, how about ideas on what YOU can do. David Katz MD
Here is something you can do. Do you know a teacher, are you a teacher, do you know anyone on a school board. The ABC and Nutrition Dectectives are simple things, but effective. Not just in teaching kids, but thru the kids, their parents. At least look at it, if you're not willing to do anything, hey, what do you think?
Like I previously stated, it becomes yet another "nanny state" issue.
Agreed...which is why the government should not be involved in any of these issues (obesity or health care). If someone (or someone's kids) have a problem, it is their responsiblity and theirs alone to find a solution/pay for the consequences of their poor lifestyle.
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