Follow the First Lady's Lead

First Lady Michelle Obama was very candid in a speech she recently delivered to the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Speaking of the obesity crisis confronting the youth of America, she used her personal family experience in making her points. As a busy working mother, she admitted she too often turned to pizza or drive-thru fast food when feeding her young children. A nudge from her daughters’ pediatrician made her start re-thinking such habits, and the effect they were having on her family’s health. Now the First Lady feeds her family in part from produce grown in her White House vegetable garden. She correctly realized the real solution to the problem was dependent upon changes that she herself had to start making.

Overweight children did not create the epidemic that affects them, nor can they be expected to solve it. After all, kids can’t control their environment at home, school, or elsewhere. Telling them to make better choices when they are surrounded by nothing but poor options is pointless. Their condition is really only a by-product of adult actions that have had a trickle-down effect upon them. Adults must take responsibility and change their own behavior before we can expect our youth to change theirs. It is apparent from her actions that Mrs. Obama must agree.

There will need to be changes made in numerous arenas if America is to truly win a war against childhood obesity.  Food manufacturers, advertisers, school administrators, teachers, health care providers, parents, and others will all need to join forces.  But too often it is overlooked that small changes can lead to big results. As a first step, just follow the example of our First Lady.  Serve children more fiber foods at every meal, and avoid most anything that can be delivered through a car window.  America’s children will soon be slimmer and healthier as a result.  

The author submits this blog posting as a health educator and not in any other capacity. You should seek the advice of your physician regarding a personal health condition or before undertaking any diet, exercise, or other health program.