I'm currently listening to Michelle Obama address childhood obesity at the National Governors Association. Childhood obesity is so very important as it affects every area of our future national viability.
This cause, as the First Lady said, is not right or left and neither should addressing the problem include a one size fits all solution. What works in one state will not work in another.
The problem is intricate and intimate.
This is such an important issue. I trust that it will find broad support across the nation in every community. Let's Move!
8 comments:
It really does affect how one thinks and is perceived. But the question isn't of how much publicity can happen. The change needs to happen at a parental level..that's where it matters.
Yes, Meena, parents are a very big part of the scenario. But, of course, society plays a role too. In Michelle Obama's campaign there is a huge emphasis on parental guidance, but school lunches, for example, and soda and snack machines in schools are also important to review. We also need to publicize the fact that childhood obesity is a real problem, a real epidemic. I'm not sure that everyone is aware of this. There is also a huge health issue here.
I am thrilled about this campaign and hope that it addresses the issues of poverty and obesity. I was naive for so long as a young woman....Go Ms. Obama!!
Yes, Cinda, the poverty and obesity didn't always go hand in hand. It used to be that families had vegetables gardens and neighbors shared veggies, no matter the income level. I think there is less happening on that front. But I did read in the newspapers here and heard a segment on NPR where young people were taking acres of unused land in Detroit and making vegetable gardens of them. This was very encouraging. Obesity also seems to be having a greater impact on suburban areas. It's undoubtedly a cultural issue as much as it is familial one.
I've been looking forward to what Michelle Obama would adopt for her "pet" project. This is fantastically wonderful; exactly what our country needs. Thanks for posting this!
I also very much enjoyed our discussion the other day.
Thanks, Judith!
chesapeake
Hey Chesapeake! - This is such a serious issue that to label it "pet," although I clearly understand your meaning, seems rather insignificant.
I too am incredibly happy that Michelle Obama has chosen this issue to champion. It is so very much needed. Love your "fantastically wonderful."
It is always a delight when you have been here. Do drop in more often, my young talented thoughtful friend. I'm in your corner. :-)
If you are on Facebook, do drop over to my wall and look at a photos of a group of young people, my many nephews and nieces, that I have just posted. I have 26 nephews and nieces. Some are your very age. I love young people!
You can check out the photos here.
Judith,
Yes, 'pet' is a completely insufficient word. I simply couldn't find a better one. I had in mind Laura Bush's equally admirable campaign for adult literacy. Adult illiteracy is a truly silent epidemic. I often find I'm more enamored with the women "behind" the men in positions of power. They do great things, quietly, with less recognition, and in heels no less.
According to Forbes, I live in the 3rd most obese city in the nation. I see childhood obesity every single day, and it is incredibly disheartening. I believe, intentional or not, it is a form of child abuse. Kids have little control over the food that they are served.
You are one of 12? Wow! What a strong mother you must have. I'm glad that you linked to Facebook and the great photos of your nieces and nephews (a beautiful family), because I meant to tell you something the other day. You say that young people like me give you hope. From my perspective, it is adults like you who actually take the time to listen and respect the people of my generation, who give *me* hope.
You're totally the "cool" aunt, aren't you? :-)
I love Laura Bush and thought her literacy program was excellent! Thanks for that mention.
I think you have a point regarding child abuse. I have never looked at it in that way, but it seems clearly a form of abuse, as you said intentionally or not. Many parents are simply ignorant about nutrition. We had a lot of baked chicken and turkey, we had a salad with every dinner, and my mother taught us moderation and discipline about what we put in mouths and what came out. How we spoke was very important to her.
Yes, I am the youngest of 12 and our mother raised us alone. She was incredibly beautiful and taught us the value of Love and appreciation of each other and others. Our house was the house to hang out. We couldn't let us hang out anywhere else. She was a stickler about our company.
Thank you for your kind words. They're appreciated. As far as me being "totally the 'cool' aunt," many of my nephews and nieces thought that I was their age, until, of course, I had to pull rank. :-) I still take them out to lunch and on shopping sprees. We have a great time together.
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