# 47

"If you don't do what's best for your body, you're the one who comes up on the short end." Julius "Dr. J" Erving

Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body; it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity. The relationship between the soundness of the body and the activities of the mind is subtle and complex. Much is not yet understood. But we do know what the Greeks knew: that intelligence and skill can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong; that hardy spirits and tough minds usually inhibit sound goals. John F. Kennedy-35th US President

The Super Sizing of America

Have you watched the news lately? How about Oprah? Or the prime time news magazines? All have done recent programs on the super sizing of America . They may not have called it that (although one nightly news program did) but they have all done stories on that subject. And just what is that subject? America is becoming obese at an alarming rate. As a society, obesity has now reached epidemic proportions.

The most dangerous health problem facing the youth of America is not teen-age pregnancy, nor is it drugs, tobacco, or alcohol. And it is not gang related activity. It is in fact, obesity. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is concerned at the alarming rise in obesity in our youth. In a South Georgia elementary school, students were measured for their Body Mass. (Body Mass takes into account height, weight, age, and sex.) Of the 190 students tested, grades 4-7, 87 were found to have a Body Mass Index above the level considered by the CDC to be obese. That is an astounding 45.7%.

There are several reasons to be concerned with the recent trend. First and foremost, there has been a link established between obesity in children and the increase in Type 1 diabetes in our youth. Type 1 diabetes used to be a disease rarely seen in children, but it is increasing dramatically. Secondly, tests have shown that children perform better in the classroom when they are exposed to exercise and the arts. The production of endorphins by the brain aids their ability to learn, to work/play together, and pay attention for greater periods of time. And finally, children tend to have a better self image when they are happy with whom they are.

I can remember as a child my mother telling us kids to go outside and play. When we responded that there was nothing to do, she said- "Well go chase yourself around the block." Maybe it's time that we tell our kids to go chase themselves around the block. The next time you are with your kids at a fast food restaurant and they person waiting on you asks, "Super size it?--tell them no.

"Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm...As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands. One for helping yourself, the other for helping others." Audrey Hepburn

Contact Tom at: tomhughes@motivationNmore.com

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