GET A MOVE ON!
By Trinity Wheeler, Health and Fitness Contributor
The American Obesity Association reports that 64% of adults over the age of 20 are overweight and 30% are obese. Studies also show that 16% of teenagers are considered overweight. With these continually growing statistics and the current healthcare battle in Washington, I would like to present a truly free option to public healthcare – prevention.
Technology has taken a major toll on the health status of the American people. Playing catch in the backyard and the weekend neighborhood football game has been replaced with computers, video games and texting. The youth population’s daily activity levels are dwindling and the rate of illness due to obesity are on the rise. Obesity carries an annual healthcare cost of $100 billion each year and is the second leading cause of unnecessary deaths in the United States.
In order to reverse this trend for future generations, we must get active and encourage our youth to do the same. The best answer to public healthcare is preventing health issues before they start through exercise and nutrition. With an active lifestyle, you feel more energized, focused and your body is more equipped to fight illness and disease. For youth, studies have shown better performance in school and an improved general disposition for those involved in physical education programs and afterschool activities. It’s time for kids to trade the cell phone and game controller for the soccer ball and baseball bat. If you are not interested in sports, try a dance class or literally anything that will keep you and your kids moving.
Many organizations have joined forces to help combat the epidemic of childhood obesity. The National Football League has launched a program called NFL Play 60 which encourages kids to get active with 60 minutes of exercise daily. The United Way started Kids Get Fit which provides resources to parents for helping kids make positive nutritional and behavioral choices. Information about these organizations can be found at www.NFLRush.com and www.kidsgetfit.com.
Prevention by staying fit is my prescription for American healthcare reform. Instilling this concept in our youth will be vital to our future and for generations to come. Activity equals good health. Good health equals improved performance in school. Improved performance in school equals superior education. Superior education equals a stronger workforce. A stronger workforce equals a solid economy. A solid economy equals a better United States.
