Childhhod Obesity

America is faced with an obesity epidemic that extends to our youth (Hatfield, 2004). Starting children in physical education when they are young could help alleviate some of that obesity that we see now. I believe physical education classes should be a requirement for children in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Physical education could be one of the most important parts in shaping young children into healthy adults. Some people my argue that children should not be forced into physical activity but rather they should be given the choice to either play an instrument, play video games, or read books. I am not saying that reading and music can not be an important part of a child’s life, but physical activity can teach a child so much more. Physical education can lead to improved overall health, socialization skills, and can teach team work and discipline.
      About 25% of children and teenagers in the United States are obese (Dietz, 1983). I remember back when I was a child, All I wanted to do was go outside and play. All the kids in my neighborhood were always outside playing. No one ever stayed inside and watched television or played video games. The only reason we ever stayed inside was because we were in trouble. Today children spend several hours’ sedentary watching television or playing video games instead of participating in physical activities, which can lead to obesity. Childhood obesity is the leading cause of pediatric hypertension, coronary heart disease and increased stress on the weight-bearing joints. All of these can be avoided with physical activities( http://www.kidsource.com).
      Learning team work, socialization skills, and discipline as a child can prove very beneficial as an adult. Having and utilizing these skills can make you a better student, better employee and a more successful person. Sitting in front of the television and playing video games is not going to teach children any of these skills. It is not going to teach them how to... [continues]

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