Saturday, July 14, 2007

America land of the free, the brave and the obese

In todays society of fast food and video games people are becoming over weight younger and younger. When I was little we were always outside climbing trees, playing tag or riding bikes. Sure we had the Atari and the Nintendo but, it wasn't an all day thing. Mom would come home and tell us to go outside and play until dinner time.

We as americans are so busy now that it is much easier to run through McDonalds or Taco Bell to get dinner, lunch and yes even breakfast at times. I myself am guilty of that. Fortunately for me obesisity isn't an issue in my family.

We as parents have an ethical duty to make sure that the lifestyle that we are raising our kids in is not doing them harm. Nothing bugs me more than to see kindergartners that are already struggling with their weight and their parents giving them more fattening snacks. Give them some fruits and vegetables for snack. Take away the potato chips and the cookies. Tell them to turn off their tv or video games and go outside to get some fresh air and excercise. Easier said than done I know....but, over time the kids will get the routine down and will remember just how fun it is to be outside and that maybe those fruits and veggies aren't so bad.

3 comments:

Jordan said...

Stacy,

I enjoyed reading your essay on the problems with American Obesity. I agree that we need to take more time out of our day and put forth the effort to help change this cycle that is leading us down a road that I don't believe we wish to travel. Great job and thanks for the comments! Jordan

Erin said...

Stacy,

I really liked going through your essay. And I loved the title very creative! I would have to say i agree with you, American's youth used to be so active... but now its all about the video games and computers. So good job.

kpinard said...

I liked your essay you made some good points.