Children Are Getting Fatter, U.S. Finds. An annual government report is warning for the first time that excess weight in childhood poses a major public health problem. By Eric Nagourney. [New York Times: Health]
Isn't it amazing that it takes a government report to state the obvious? I'm sure most teachers and others who work with children would agree with me that there are some kids who are so huge, it is unfathomable how they got that big in their short lives. I know high schoolers who are literally wider than they are tall. No exageration. And it's no wonder. Do you know what our government schools are feeding these kids? The typical meal served to kids in Atlanta Public Schools contains almost nothing that is not fried, and usually no vegetables. The food service dos not even know what a vegetable is. Often, macaroni and cheese is listed as the "vegetable" on the lunch menu. Go figure! Furthermore, the portions that are served to growing teenagers is far too inadequate. How does this contribute to obesity? The kids have to supplement their school lunch with junk from vending machines. Candy bars. Chips. Cheetos "Hot fries." Everyday. Which raises another question. While I believe I support the free and reduced priced meal program for low-income students, isn't it odd that these same students are able to spend three and four dollars a day on junk food from vending machines? Just a curious question. Now I know the problem does not rest primarily with the schools. The responsibility for the eating habits of children rests primarily in the home and in the culture. To get a kid to change his eating habits, you have to cause a change within their home culture. But the schools can do whatever is within their power to influence the habits of the students. Like re-instate regular physical education and recess. Not to mention more updated and interesting health classes. Educators, let's do our part and demand that parents do theirs. We'll be paying for the health care of this porky pig generation with our tax dollars in a few decades.
1:11:38 PM 
|
|
