Last year, a group of retired military generals and admirals made the case that the current state of childhood obesity is a national security threat.
I’ll wait while you read for yourself…
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done?
Okay, so here’s the thing. I can understand the fundamental concept of their proposition (our fighting forces need to be in excellent physical and mental condition to successfully defend the nation), but their solution is so far off the mark as to be laughable.
This isn’t a political rant, it’s a philosophical one. Childhood obesity is a problem, but it isn’t a mystery. I can tell you the secret to solving childhood obesity. You ready?
Here it is: diet and exercise.
Surprise!
Childhood obesity is solved the same way that adult obesity is. Get out and move, eat healthy, and be of a positive spirit.
When I was a boy, growing up in all the places I lived, I spent most of my free time outside, running around and playing. That has changed for kids today. Fear of injury, abduction, and any number of other unpleasantness has driven a large number of parents to keep their children inside “where it’s safe”. The addition of awesome gaming consoles add to the pleasure of staying inside. It provides an appropriate level of distraction and interaction, while keeping little Johnny or Janey safe inside.
So now another killer has reared its head: obesity. Instead of spending their formative years frolicking about the countryside, running and jumping and playing…today’s kids spend a lot of time on the computer and in front of a television. That, in and of itself, isn’t necessarily a problem. But there needs to be a balance.
This is why Martial Arts are so great. They allow a safe environment where kids can learn confidence, excellence, and integrity all the while moving around, sweating, and burning a lot of calories.
But Martial Arts aren’t a savior.
What??
I know…I was shocked when I wrote it. It takes something else to kick the obesity problem…and it isn’t found at school lunch.
There are two people who can impact childhood obesity more than any others: mom and dad.
Hey parents: Your kids, will learn important lifestyle choices by watching you. You want to combat childhood obesity…it isn’t about spending more money on school lunches, it’s about teaching your children to make proper food choices, good food choices, healthy food choices. The government isn’t going to help. Martial Arts will teach them how to protect themselves and how to have a positive and successful outlook on life.
But, until someone steps in to slap the twinkie out of Johnny Tonsoffun’s hand, there is no help.
What do you think?
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