Saved by the Bell

Fitness in America is being promoted more today than it has ever been before, mainly due to the over whelming obesity epidemic. “…data indicate that 11% of 6-11 year olds and 14% of 12-17 year olds are obese (Strategy Development, 1996).” “…double the prevalence of 30 years ago (CDC, 1996).” This is the year 2009 if it had double then, just think how much is has increased with the availability of fast foods. Promoting healthy lifestyles is thrown at us from every direction in today’s society. From television shows, fast food restaurants revising their menus, to free health screenings provided by hospitals. But should this be happening in school? Some think requiring physical education grades K-12 would benefit student’s allowing them how to live a healthy lifestyle along with getting their education. Schools should incorporate the community so students can get physical activity not only in school but also outside. But some think this would take away from the academic side of school and be too much for students to deal with along with their core classes. Mandating physical education for all grade levels has its health benefits along with a few health risks. But first let us take a look at what exactly is causing the obesity epidemic. Blame it on your parents, your great uncle twice removed; blame it on anyone but yourself the person who is really at fault. But what is really causing obesity? Genetics do play a big part in our health, but it’s a fact that we can control and reduce our risks of developing disease. Many Americans are blaming their rapid weight gain on genetics, but they have played a part in our health from the beginning of time. So why now are they causing us to gain weight. Stress also plays a large part, when we as student has a huge paper due that they forgot about the last thing we have time for is to make a healthy and well proportioned meal. We want energy and want it fast. Snacking and binge eating are one the rise in our fast paced society