Every once in a while, I see something that amazes me. Sometimes it can be what the human spirit can overcome, or it may be something like the love a child has for it’s pet. The possibilities are endless. Sadly, there are also things that are negative or that remind me of how I feel society is transgressing. Yesterday, while watching the news, I was reminded of the latter.
The news reported that over 60% of Americans are now either overweight or obese. Additionally, it was reported that being in one of the categories makes your chance of being killed in a car accident 80% greater! Now, the news reported, there is a push to make cars bigger or to be designed to accommodate these larger bodies.
Now don’t get me wrong, safety is an issue and I don’t want to see anybody hurt, but aren’t we going about this the wrong way? What about responsibility? Society knows that being overweight can translate into so many health problems including heart disease and diabetes, yet we do nothing about it. Many just accept it as part of life, perhaps bolstered by the fact that their friends are overweight as well.
Now I know I am preaching to the choir as anyone reading this is probably trying to get fit, but education is the key. Pages dedicated to fitness, like the one your on, allow us to share ideas and support each other. THIS is what works. Recently Mayor Bloomberg of NYC forced a regulation limiting the size of soft drinks sold in restaurants. We cannot FORCE people into action. There is nothing to prevent someone from simply buying two of the smaller sized drinks. No, we must as a nation, start making better choices.
Fortunately, I do see some hope for the future. Many doctors are becoming more accepting of holistic or natural remedies as part of the cure rather than simply pushing a pill down your throat. Pills are not necessarily bad, but they shouldn’t be the only option. The media continues to talk about these topics as well, which just may help spread the word.
For know, I think all we can do is continue to work on ourselves, and be a beacon to others that we do not HAVE to get fat and out of shape. That living a healthy lifestyle can be fun and rewarding. This message may be most important to our youth who are becoming less and less active. If the current trend continues, we may actually simply kill ourselves from the inside.
Wherever you are in your fitness journey, you are an example to others. Use this simple fact as part of your motivation. Perhaps YOU are the one that will change someone else’s life and point them toward a better way of living. The fitness lifestyle is the path that you have chosen. Do your best to be an example for others as well, so that they too can truly ENJOY life!
Scott
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