Overview
Here in America we may talk healthy, but we eat tasty. (Larimore et al. 2005, 131) The health of many average Americans and that of their children in particular has been in serious question for sometime. Authors like Legere suggest that obesity has reached epidemic proportions among our children. (Legere 2004, ix) In 2000, nearly twice as many kids were obese as compared to 1970. (Larimore et al. 2005, 5) The American Medical Association predicts that the increased costs of American medical problems resulting from obesity will cost billions of dollars in the years to come. (Legere 2004, ix) According to Emory University researchers, more than a quarter of the phenomenal growth in health care spending over the past fifteen years is attributable to obesity (Larimore et al. 2005, 13.)
Since the 1980's, many noted authors, such as Dr. Walter Willett, Michael Pollan, and Marion Nestle have tried to help address the various issues behind the declining health, lower rates of exercise and poor nutritional quality of our foods. Their work and that of others has aroused great discussion and debate in many circles as well as serving as a wake-up call to us all; however, none of it should come as a real surprise.
Every day that we open a newspaper, cruise the Internet, or turn on a news program we hear a variety of health news reports, some good and some bad. With mounting evidence from experts from a variety of fields and dietary organizations, we are finding that our food choices are seriously endangering our overall health. Our children in particular are in increasing danger from childhood obesity and related diseases. These diseases include but not limited to an increase in "Type-2" diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and the precursors of hardening of the arteries. Worsening eating habits at home and in school lunchrooms, combined with the lack of exercise on the part of America's children is contributing to the problem. Obesity is clearly associated with decreased life expectancy. Simply put, an assassin is lying in wait to pounce on our kids. Eating nutritiously and judiciously along with moderate exercise is not just the domain of the more affluent or physically fit, but in reach of us all. We can help our children by educating them early in good nutritional habits and by demonstrating a variety of exercises, they can use. Without question, the number one barrier to physical activity in schools is the misconception that time spent in PE or recess will undermine academic learning (Larimore et al. 2005, 35.)
All over the United States, adults and children from all socio-economic groups often purchase inexpensive, man-made "food products" rather than real "whole food" items. It simply is a matter of economics for most, without true consideration of the nutritional benefit in what they eat. Little nutritional content is often derived from eating these fabricated "food products." By teaching this unit to my students, they will become skilled at correctly selecting nutritiously healthy foods. They will be taught a variety of easy to do physical exercises that they can do to improve their overall fitness. They will also be able to share what they are learning with their family members. I hope that they will be able to address the unit concept that "Healthy Choices Lead To Healthy Bodies" at a more meaningful and personal level. In time, their choices can help to shape routines that will last a lifetime.
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