Parents must save kids from obesity
Macie Schreibman, Contributing Columnist
Issue date: 9/26/05 Section: Opinion
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For years we have seen overweight Americans parading through the media and more recently in the 2004 documentary "Super Size Me," by Morgan Spurlock, who demonstrated how unhealthy it is to only eat fast food for 30 days.
The results of Spurlock's diet were both amazing and disgusting.
The documentary opened eyes and shocked America, but was it enough to change the way Americans eat? Probably not.
The main argument for society's reliance on fast food is it has no time to prepare and eat healthy food. This is somewhat true; people are always forced to be somewhere or do something when chasing the American dream and earning money.
Yet, there's still hope: There have been some recent changes here in California that may affect the future of America.
On Sept. 15, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation to ban all carbonated soda from California high schools in order to help prevent teen obesity. This will undoubtedly mean a loss of income for schools and vendors, but in the long run, it will help alleviate problems with weight.
In defending his decision, Schwarzenegger said, "Obese-related health problems cost (Californians) $28 billion a year," according to Reuters. He also noted one California child in every three is obese, and his administration is working toward a "healthier America." It will take years to materialize but will be extremely beneficial, especially for children who don't learn how to eat or drink healthily at home.
The new law will allow the sale of water, milk and drinks with at least 50 percent fruit or vegetable juice in high schools.
Schwarzenegger also signed a bill that will allocate more money for an increase in the amount of fruits and vegetables provided in school meals.
Even so, the way American society is headed, the next generation is bound to be the most obese yet.
The biggest impact for good health can be made at home, as research has consistently shown in the past that children mimic their parents. If kids see their parents eating healthy, they will follow suit, partly because they have no choice, but also because most of the time they look up to their parents.
Physical activity for kids is also a vastly ignored issue today. With growing technology in society, children are spending more time indoors playing video games and surfing the Internet. Additionally, recent studies from the Obesity Research Center at Columbia University show children are spending at least two hours sitting in front of the television each day.
Whether watching TV shows or playing video games, the resolution is the amount of time kids spend outdoors - playing and running around with their friends - is severely diminished. Exercise is taking a back seat to eating and watching television and, as a consequence, kids only interact at school, not at home.
Maybe American schools could take a cue from the zoo in Anchorage, Alaska, where they forcibly exercise overweight animals and have designed the very first treadmill for elephants. Its elephant, Maggie, was recently compelled to lose almost 1,000 pounds because her keepers sarcastically said she was "slightly heavy for an elephant," according to Reuters.
Obesity is a huge problem in America and taking any precautions to help children is a great idea. Future generations can and will benefit from new legislation that enforces a healthy diet in schools.
Taking soda away from kids can do no harm.
-Macie Schreibman is an English senior.
-This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec. Send e-mail to letters@thedailyaztec.com. Anonymous letters will not be printed - include your full name, major and year in school.
