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In September of 2010, Michelle Obama addressed the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and presented an obesity campaign "Let's Move!" "Let's Move" which seeks to combat obesity by restoring family and community values.
“Childhood obesity is a result of the health care system, economic and education opportunity, and the grocery stores and restaurants,” says Ms. Obama. But combating childhood obesity begins with a simple decision, “decisions about how much time they spend with TV and video games, as opposed to running around outside; decisions about what they eat, how much of it, and how often”.
According to obesity trends collected by the CDC African Americans lead obesity in the United States with a 51 percent higher prevalence than any other race. In many ways this trend mirrors the world at large and a study published in the International Journal of Pediatric Obesity concluded that obesity is now a global pandemic.
The Obama Administration has already made efforts to improve child health through Child Nutrition legislation that is currently before Congress as well as through the President's Active Lifestyle Awards program, but there are practical ways that start right in your own backyard. Community gardens coalitions are sprouting up in many local neighborhoods and provide residents with an inexpensive and healthy alternative to the processed pricey veggies found in whole foods stores and groceries; and not only is it fun but educational as well. Learning to cultivate and produce from the land is as beneficial to the city slicker as the suburban housewife and it is also is a great bonding opportunity between parents and children.
The health effects of obesity are equally detrimental predispose people to diabetes, heart conditions, high blood pressure, and cancer. Such heavy reliance on technology has landed more people on couches than playgrounds with estimates suggesting that for example, children spend nearly four hours a day in front of a TV screen and an additional two hours on the computer (outside of schoolwork). A stationary lifestyle promotes laziness and the long-term affects will only weigh you down, literally and figuratively.
Fitness plans should evolve around the three elements of fitness: endurance, strength and flexibility. As Ms. Obama says, “We all have a role in finding the solution”, so let’s move!
Here are a few quick and easy tips to stay on top of the fat so it won’t stay on top of you.
1) Additions over Subtraction- You don’t have to be a math genius to add in healthy foods that you enjoy into foods you normally eat. Cherries or trail mix can be a great addition to your breakfast cereal and an avocado spread or hummus is a great alternative to the fatty mayonnaise on your lunch sandwich.
2) Work On versus Work Out- If you don’t have the time to hit the gym the office provides a lot of time to exercise. Taking the stairs is one way to burn a few calories but a hand gripper or elastic band are great, cheap tools for a quick work out at work.
3) Pack and Save- Pack a lunch for you and your child. Your health is just as important as your child’s. What better way to show your love and save a few bucks than by packing a healthy lunch that you and your child can enjoy.
4) The Great Outdoors- Mother Nature provides so many exercise options. Nature walks can be a great escape from city-life and can also be a great learning experience for your child. Add a little spice and go kayaking or mountain climbing for an extra dose of fun and exercise.
Iman Folayan hails from Houston, Texas but considers herself a world citizen. She began writing poetry at the tender age of seven and gained the attention of her middle school teacher and was asked to present the Menil Collection Museum. From here her passion for writing flourished and upon entering college she continued pursuing her interest but now with more purpose. As an active member of the West End Community in Atlanta, GA she uses her writing to promote change but can still be found writing a poem or a song, and if you're lucky she'll perform it for you. She considers herself to be "a renaissance artist" so paintbrush or pen if it's art she's all in. Visit www.thepowermixer.com to stay abreast with her community efforts or visit www.iamiman.bandcamp.com to hear her new works.
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