In my previous blog on vending machine vigilantes, I stated that removing vending machines in schools would prove to fruitless in the battle with childhood obesity, as obesity is multifactorial in nature. Getting one's weight in the healthy range requires a combination of both good diet and plenty of exercise. The San Man, in a comment, suggested many environmental changes such as more recreational opportunities, bike paths, etc. But he seemed to support the removal of vending machines as one small step in the right direction. Maybe so, but most likely not.
Consider that if you were into banning things that you believed were causal to weight gain, then consider banning the some things that were not around much 50 years ago when obesity wasn't the problem that it is today:
- Air Conditioning (we now live in climate controlled environments and don't even sweat anymore).
- Television (Need I say more?)
- Computers and the Internet
- Starbucks (Another Cup o' Sugar?)
- Fast Food
- Two-thirds of the food in my grocery store.
- Bloomin' Onions
- Fair Food
- SUV's
- Modern Subdivisions
- Cheap Gas (yeah, it's still cheap compared to Europe, where people walk a lot).
Why do I bring this up? Because 40 and 50 years ago, our parents told us to turn off the TV and go outside and play. We had to do chores around the house. We didn't have air conditioning to cool and comfort us. We actually perspired back in those days. Perspiration is a sure sign that you are burning calories. Older houses built before the advent of air conditioning had front porches. people escaped the heat of the house in the evening and sat on their porches. Or they took walks after dinner and talked to their neighbors who were hanging out on their porches. Everybody was outside. No one watched TV or blogged on the Internet
When I go into my local Kroger store to shop, I have a choice. I can load up on fresh fruits and vegetables and lots of other healthy foods. Or I can breeze right by the healthy stuff and go straight to the bakery, soda, chips and cookie aisle. Surely, it seems that at least half the store is stocked with luscious temptations. Should we ban them? Heck, no!! I want to buy and consume bad stuff every now and then. And Every now and then I work very hard, eat very little and become calorie deprived. Personally, I make the choice to buy good, healthy foods. The operative word here is choice. We should all be free to make the choices. We know what they are.
Progress is a double-edged sword.
good stuff
Posted by: dad | July 02, 2006 at 09:18 AM
I really enjoyed reading this blog post. Due to your interest in fighting the obesity epidemic, I strongly urge you to support the Action for Healthy Kids in Ohio. Ohio is currently the only state without physical education standards in our schools. I am sure you would agree with me that it is time for reform. If we can provide our children and families with the proper educational tools, together we can treat and prevent obesity and overweight.
In Health,
Brandi Williams
MPH Candidate May 2007
NOCPH: Bowling Green State University and The University of Toledo
Posted by: Brandi Williams | April 09, 2007 at 04:33 PM