Most first ladies, state and federal, crusade for noble, nonpolitical causes. In Washington, Michelle Obama has chosen an excellent mission: to reduce America's disturbing epidemic of childhood obesity. In Charleston, first lady Gayle Manchin likewise champions the Healthy Lifestyles Initiative for West Virginia youths.
More and more children slouch before video games, computers and TV. Sugary, starchy "junk food" abounds. Vigorous outdoor activity is neglected. The result is a serious health menace. Although Republican-oriented, <I>The Wall Street Journal<P> applauded Michelle Obama's effort, saying:
"Nearly one of three children is overweight or obese, which is astonishing enough except that two-thirds of adults are too -- and thus at risk for diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. Obesity has tripled among adolescents since 1980, rising to 17.6 percent, while the number of childhood hospitalizations for obesity-associated conditions doubled between 1999 and 2005. Type 2 diabetes used to be called 'adult-onset diabetes,' until it started to show up in children."
The White House says the blubber increase even affects national security, because obesity is a major reason for rejection of military applicants.
Mrs. Obama's "Let's Move" drive wants to prod couch potatoes into fun action and fitness. Many groups have joined the effort. Professional athletes from 12 leagues volunteered to make TV spots boosting "60 minutes of play a day" -- and networks pledged to air them free. Some city officials promise to improve hiking, biking and fitness facilities.
Meanwhile, the top three suppliers of school lunches pledged to reduce fat, sugar and salt in their foods over the next five years. The first lady said American children have been defenseless victims of conditions thrust upon them.
"Our kids didn't choose to make food products with tons of fat and sugar and supersize portions, and then to have these foods marketed to them wherever they turn," she commented.
It will be a blessing if this crusade begins to curb harmful heaviness of U.S. youths. Perhaps a psychological change will make it less acceptable to be fat -- just as years of cigarette warnings slowly made it less fashionable to smoke, and crackdowns stopped the joking tolerance of tipsy driving. We hope it becomes more "cool" to be fit.
Anything that promotes the "Let's Move" spirit will be welcome. West Virginia's PEIA now gives free fitness club cards to retirees, as a way to cut medical bills. Any inducements to spur children toward healthy leanness will help them and the entire society.
Most first ladies, state and federal, crusade for noble, nonpolitical causes. In Washington, Michelle Obama has chosen an excellent mission: to reduce America's disturbing epidemic of childhood obesity. In Charleston, first lady Gayle Manchin likewise champions the Healthy Lifestyles Initiative for West Virginia youths.
More and more children slouch before video games, computers and TV. Sugary, starchy "junk food" abounds. Vigorous outdoor activity is neglected. The result is a serious health menace. Although Republican-oriented, <I>The Wall Street Journal<P> applauded Michelle Obama's effort, saying:
"Nearly one of three children is overweight or obese, which is astonishing enough except that two-thirds of adults are too -- and thus at risk for diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. Obesity has tripled among adolescents since 1980, rising to 17.6 percent, while the number of childhood hospitalizations for obesity-associated conditions doubled between 1999 and 2005. Type 2 diabetes used to be called 'adult-onset diabetes,' until it started to show up in children."
The White House says the blubber increase even affects national security, because obesity is a major reason for rejection of military applicants.
Mrs. Obama's "Let's Move" drive wants to prod couch potatoes into fun action and fitness. Many groups have joined the effort. Professional athletes from 12 leagues volunteered to make TV spots boosting "60 minutes of play a day" -- and networks pledged to air them free. Some city officials promise to improve hiking, biking and fitness facilities.
Meanwhile, the top three suppliers of school lunches pledged to reduce fat, sugar and salt in their foods over the next five years. The first lady said American children have been defenseless victims of conditions thrust upon them.
"Our kids didn't choose to make food products with tons of fat and sugar and supersize portions, and then to have these foods marketed to them wherever they turn," she commented.
It will be a blessing if this crusade begins to curb harmful heaviness of U.S. youths. Perhaps a psychological change will make it less acceptable to be fat -- just as years of cigarette warnings slowly made it less fashionable to smoke, and crackdowns stopped the joking tolerance of tipsy driving. We hope it becomes more "cool" to be fit.
Anything that promotes the "Let's Move" spirit will be welcome. West Virginia's PEIA now gives free fitness club cards to retirees, as a way to cut medical bills. Any inducements to spur children toward healthy leanness will help them and the entire society.
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