An Associated Press article about childhood obesity this morning kicks off this way:
RICHMOND–At Chimborazo Elementary, apples aren’t just for teachers. The glossy fruit lined lunch trays on a recent Wednesday, alongside wheat rolls, low-fat sorbet and gobs of greens–healthy choices all happily scarfed by fourth graders.
“There’s a direct correlation between a healthy child and achievement,” said Richmond schools spokeswoman Felicia Cosby, smiling as students tore into string beans and low-fat milk.
State lawmakers hope this is the lunchroom of the future.
Tackling childhood obesity is one of those mom-and-apple pie issues. Absolutely no one is for childhood obesity. How, then, can anyone oppose a measure like the one submitted by Sen. John Edwards, D-Roanoke, that would require state educational and health officials to cooperate in targeting childhood obesity and other juvenile health problems?
Actually, I wouldn’t say that I oppose Edwards’ bill. It might do a small measure of good. What disturbs me is a quote the legislator used to justify the bill: “It’s a state responsibility.”
It’s everyone’s responsibility. Childhood obesity results from behaviors and forces deeply embedded in American popular culture. The state, by ensuring that the healthy foods are served in schools, is a necessary partner in combating obesity. But the problem extends so much farther than the school cafeteria.
Some people blame the giant food companies that peddle sugar cereals, snacks, deserts and junk foods. Yeah… I suppose so. But I remember seeing those commercials, and wanting those cereals (“Trix are for kids!”), when I was a kid more than 40 years ago — and childhood obesity was trivial a problem back then. I think the roots go deeper. For the sake of brevity, I will mention only two factors.
One is the time famine. Parents today, especially those in two-income families, are Running As Hard as They Can (to borrow Ed Risse’s phrase) and, though they know better, often take the easy way out when it comes to preparing food. It’s easier just for an exhausted mom to shove a pizza in the oven than to cook a proper meal. It’s easier to give in to the child who steadfastly refuses to eat his greens.
The other is our cultural proclivity for keeping kids cooped up inside. Four years ago, our family moved from Richmond to Henrico County so my little boy could have room to run and play outside. Does he, in fact, run in play outside? No. Do any of the other kids in the neighborhood run and play outside? Almost never. There are quiet streets for bicycling, and creeks to explore, and cul de sacs to play kickball in, but… you don’t see kids outdoors. They’re all inside.
Why? I think it’s because Americans live in a culture of fear. Mothers are terrified that a molester will snatch their child off the street. They’re terrified that their child will be run over by a car. Mothers don’t want to let children out of their sights (until they turn 16 and, equipped with cars and cell phones, they can go anywhere, do anything, they want). Little boys stay inside, watch TV and play video games. What physical activity they engage in — baseball, soccer, basketball, tae kwon do and other organized sports — is all structured and overseen by adults. Children don’t explore their neighborhoods like they used to. They don’t play spontaneous games of SPUD (anyone remember that game?) or hide-and-seek like they used to. Consequently, they don’t get nearly as much exercise as kids did when I was growing up.
Figure out how to change the time famine, teach kids good eating habits, quell the climate of fear and ensure that kids get more exercise, and we won’t have an obesity epidemic anymore.
