Increase Health and Physical Education in our Schools

Recently I read with interest in our local paper an article titled “PE requirement isn’t enough to fight obesity”. That article combined with criticism from the call in section of the paper regarding the obesity epidemic and “Fat” people, led to this letter to the editor:

Let me begin by stating that I find the criticism of “Fat” people to be stereo-typical and short sighted. Those making uninformed comments should pick up a book and educate themselves on obesity and the causes of it. While we can all agree that obesity often leads to poor health and in turn a higher cost of health care, the approach in which we deal with this problem is where I have major issues.

Did you know that approximately 70% of healthcare costs in the United States may be preventable? According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, chronic diseases are responsible for five of the six leading causes of death in the US since 2002. Obesity, one of these chronic diseases, is now considered a worldwide epidemic that may ultimately lead to other chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. The American Heart Association estimates that we lose $32 BILLION a year because of premature chronic diseases associated with obesity.

When we consider the estimated increase in the longevity of life and a projected population increase over the next 20 years, it is not hard to envision the obesity epidemic becoming an even larger drain on our healthcare system. Meanwhile, instead of properly educating our youth on the dangers and causes of this disease, more and more schools are cutting sports programs, health/physical education, and after school activities. It is double jeopardy when you consider that along with these cuts we are seeing less participation in the programs that remain.

There are many reasons for this; perhaps technology is the biggest culprit. Can it be denied that the technology of today has enhanced an environment of more physically inactive people? Parents, educators, and those in the know need to be more assertive in their influence on this matter. Encourage kids to get off their computers, turn off the TV, put down the cell phones and get outside to play.

Children today are not being appropriately skilled on exercise and nutrition; there is a science to it.

Educating students on leading a healthy lifestyle through the integration of a STRUCTURED health and physical education program will not only help with the future expenses on healthcare, but will increase energy levels, alertness, and productivity during class time. Realizing that there is limited time and money where schools are concerned, I still contend we need be proactive in promoting a healthy lifestyle for the youth of this country.

As a Health Professional, I see regularly the results of what a proper exercise and nutritional program can do. One of my first clients was a 47 year old, overweight male that came to me with high blood pressure and cholesterol. He had been on medications for blood pressure and cholesterol for over 12 years. He had no idea about what foods were healthy, what calories were, or the dangers of trans fats, saturated fats, and sugar. He had never exercised a day in his life, but after training him for 9 months and teaching him about nutrition, he lost 40lbs and the need for his medications.

Certainly there will be those who casually dismiss the importance of health and physical education for our youth. To those I pose a question: What is the good of an academic education if you do not have the mental and physical health to use it to its full potential?


Blow it Up!


Marc Nespoli
www.fitnessforlifenetwork.com
marc@fitnessforlifenetwork.com