So far I have evaluated and attempted to stimulate discussion surrounding technology and the education systems roles in the increasing obesity rate in adolescents. I do not think that any analysis would be quite complete without taking a look at the home environment and the individuals who are charged with the care of adolescents and youth. However, before I do so I want people to realize that I am currently highlighting all of the negative issues and short comings, but I am not just a problem person. I am a solutions person! After we have explored the issues and problems we will need to begin exploring solutions. What we need to note is it is difficult to arrive at a solution without first exploring the problem. It is not that I want to paint only a negative picture, as there are a number of programs that are having tremendous success in battling this problem, but rather want people to sit up and realize what is right in front of them before it is too late.
Today's family life and parenting strategies and abilities are vastly different than they were a number of years ago. As each generation moves into adulthood, they find themselves facing problems the past generations did not have to tackle (or chose to ignore). Many parents work 2 jobs and struggle to make ends meet. The increase in single parent households has also led to many young kids being left home alone with few role models and little encouragement to pursue activities. Kids typically will follow in parents foot steps. Kids who see active parents will often choose active lifestyles. As an overgeneralization active parents = active kids and sedentary parents = sedentary kids. To follow up on this it correlates well with proper nutrition. Parents who eat well have children who eat well. Given the choice of making a pizza pop or making a full meal a youth 9 times out of 10 w
ill take the easy route. Anyone with kids knows they will eat just about anything if YOU put it in front of them and they don't have to make it themselves.
ill take the easy route. Anyone with kids knows they will eat just about anything if YOU put it in front of them and they don't have to make it themselves.So mom and dad are busy providing for the families basic needs. This does not excuse a parent from providing what is best for their children, but the question arises as to what does "best" mean? Does it mean a roof over your head? Does it mean food in your stomach? Does it mean a sufficient level of health mentally and physically? Statistics are an amazing thing that can be twisted and bent to support just about anything, but when looking at the stats surrounding today's youth and drawing parallels it is difficult to argue with the increase in youth suicide, anxiety and depression that coincide with increases in obesity and sedentary life.
A final note of contention that exists is the failure of home support for physical education programs at school. Parent Teacher interview nights are a perfect example of the attitude parents take when looking at the physical education of their children. Out of a 3 hour night there may be 2 parents of 90% students who show up to visit Physical Educators. Even after comments being placed on reporting cards that request a conference with parents and contact many parents choose to ignore it. It sends a fairly strong message.
What other issues surrounding home might pop up that is holding our youth health hostage. The list is endless, but it is one of the foremost important areas to start with when looking towards the solutions.
WOD
"1/2 Barbara"
5 Rounds for time
10 Pull Ups
15 Push Ups
20 Sit Ups
25 Air Squats
REST 1:30 BETWEEN ROUNDS
REST 1:30 BETWEEN ROUNDS
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