Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com
Published - Monday, July 21, 2008
Obesity is on the rise
When I watch the news, it seems as if every story is about a health-related topic. Obesity and diabetes are rising at alarming rates, and children are spending more time watching TV and playing video games and less time doing physical activity. If somebody spends any time watching “Sports Center,” they’ll soon find out that two of the most prevalent topics in sports are steroids and cheating (by athletes and coaches).
With all of these negatives seeming to dominate our headlines, it would make sense that physical education in schools would start to attract more attention and gain support. In reality though, just the opposite is happening. Physical education has never been more important in our country, yet it is always one of the first programs to get cut down when budgets are tight.
We, as a country, need to take a look at the direction we’re moving and realize that quality physical education programs are one way that we can reverse some of the negative health trends that are happening in America right now.
A quality physical education program should educate students on how to become lifelong movers, thus decreasing their risk for obesity and diabetes. A quality physical education program should teach students the dangers of steroid use and promote ethical behavior when participating in sports or other activities.
By supporting quality physical education programs, you are supporting a healthier community and a healthier country. Physical education has changed vastly during the past 20 to 30 years, and it’s time for people to start changing their opinion on just how important it is to our country.
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