Softneing of a society

Physical activity is important from a very young age however; over the past 40 or 50 years physical education in schools has softened and in turn softened the bodies of our young.

The economic initiatives that our politicians provide our society play a huge role in our state and local governments being equipped with funding programs that are designed to keep adolescents involved and active.  Michelle Obama has initiated the, Let’s Move program designed to lift and support the physical and emotional health of an entire generation that is dealing with the highest incidence of obesity our nation has ever seen.  It has been said that the economic health and security of our nation is at risk if we don’t work to change the reality of this social problem.

The private sector is working in conjunction with the public sector to provide strategies that include some of the following initiatives:

• Promote healthy diets and physical activity for children in accordance with national guidelines and international standards and the overall aims of the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health;
• Limit the level of saturated fat, trans-fatty acids, free sugars and salt content in existing processed food products and limit portion sizes;
• Increase the introduction of innovative, healthy, and nutritious choices for children;
• Review current marketing practices to children: particularly with regard to the promotion and marketing of food high in saturated fats, trans-fatty acids, free sugars, or salt;
• Provide children and young people with adequate and understandable product and nutrition information;
• Assist in developing and implementing physical activity programs for children.

Combining comprehensive strategies with the assistance of parents, health care professions, schools and elected officials we empower a nation to pursue a healthier future for generations to come.