A look at what’s at stake…
Considering one third of the children in America is considered overweight or obese most of us would agree that something needs to change. But where do we start?
First, we must put our finger to the pulse of America’s health. This generation is the first ever whose life span is significantly shorter than their parents due to unhealthy lifestyle choices. Not only that…
Due to our fast food lifestyles more than twenty five million children are showing signs of high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. That’s more than ever before. A recent study by the Ontario Medical Association found that three-quarters of obese kids will likely grow up to be obese adults and face heart trouble, diabetes, and other related medical conditions.
The U.S. spends $150 billion a year dealing with the issues of obesity that I have already mentioned. Health-care premiums have risen more than three times faster than wages, largely because of the unhealthy choices of today’s society. We are one of the most intelligent civilizations ever, and yet we are blowing it when it comes to our health.
Unfortunately these problems won’t fix themselves. They will continue to plague us until we find a way to change the patterns of “fast food” America. These toxic habits and lifestyles will only continue to follow on to future generations if something is not done soon.
So where do we start? I like the suggestion from a Canadian Health Promotion Minister, Jim Watson, who declared “Fat is the new Tobacco.” If America’s parents and community leaders agreed with that and got on board as many have about the dangers of tobacco abuse, we might begin to see a difference. The truth is, the war against tobacco has been very effective. Kids are taught in school that tobacco is a drug just like marijuana and cocaine, and threatens their very lives. Why can’t we come to the striking realization that fat is doing the same thing?
As I talk with people in presentations and workshops about the fact that “Fat is the Enemy” many agree that if a war were created against the killers called “fat and obesity” we would begin to see a difference in America’s health.
So what do we do? A necessary step in this process is for families and community leaders to step up to make a difference. The only way our kids are going to make healthier choices is if we teach them and show them how to do so.
One thing that must happen is involving our kids in a healthy process for hands on learning. This could include letting them select healthy foods at the grocery store. Kids need to know why selecting an orange over a cup cake or Twinkies is the right choice. Helping our children make good choices today will change the landscape of the “sick and unhealthy” society in which we live.
Kids are made to run and play! They were created by God to move, but many times the average school day, and the TV and video games that follow don’t meet that need. Physical Education classes and after school sports definitely have their place, but we can’t expect those to fix our health dilemma.
I agree with Dr. Sasson Moulavi, of Smart For Life Weight Management Centers. He said: “My worry is some parents will sit back and wait for the government to come up with a magic plan. It is not going to happen. Parents need to realize they must take the initiative now. They have to stop waiting for a solution to fall from the sky. That’s just magical thinking.”
He could not be more right. It’s up to America’s families to “pass the torch” of health to the next generation. Bottom line: it’s time for parents and community leaders to step up and assume the responsibility to make a difference.
So, what is the answer? I believe a good start is finding the proper tools to educate America’s families. This is where my FIT FOREVER Book Series comes into play. It is my way of trying to make a difference. It is designed to be a simplistic approach to helping families make healthier choices. It is specifically written to be a simplistic, no nonsense approach for those who want to lead a healthier, more productive lives.
FIT FOREVER is the perfect tool for parents in knowing how to help their kids make healthy choices. The first two books of this series are book one “FIT FOREVER”, and book two “FIT FOREVER The Next Step”. Both are designed for interactive discussion for families, church small groups or discussion groups to talk about the “why’s” and “how to’s” of healthy living.
Focusing on solutions is what the great leaders of our world have always done. I agree this is a tough issue. But I’m up for the challenge! I believe that it is achievable and very doable in our lifetime!
Parents and Community Leaders, let’s get started!
What are your thoughts? I am welcome to any feedback you may have….
To order books in the FIT FOREVER Series check out: http://tomhopkins6.com/store/
FIT FOREVER Tom Hopkins 