Over the last 30 years, obesity increased dramatically in the United States. Studies have shown that diabetes, illnesses and diseases have become more prevalent in our younger generation then it was 30 years ago.
At the beginning of last year, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention came up with data on obesity risk behavior and stated that our beautiful Black people had a 51 percent higher prevalence of obesity compared with Whites and Hispanics.
Our country ranks No. 1 as the fattest and most unhealthy.
We live in a society where we’re not conscious of what we eat.
Unhealthy fast foods are advertised on a daily basis.
Fast food chains are fueling the food industry. Eating unhealthy every day will affect you in the long run.
One of the factors that causes obesity is technology. It has made our society lazy as a whole.
You can do just about anything and everything online.
From my generation to the younger generation, we have grown up on technology.
Instead of us playing street football for exercise every day after school, we play Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo 64, or Sega Dreamcast for you true gamers.
Yes, the older generations had the pinball machines, but video game systems did not exist 30 years ago.
Look around today, and you will see kids in first and second grade carrying cell phones.
As soon as recess hits, kids run to the benches to play with their phones.
Instead of riding their bike or go cart for exercise after school, they’re on the phone trying to find puppy love while parents tolerate it.
Thirty-five percent of African American children from the ages of six to 14 are overweight.
Physical activity starts with the parents. Parents should lead by example and encourage their kids to be fit.
Make your kid a healthy lunch instead of giving them money everyday for junk food.
Younger junk food habits lead to older habits. The older you get, the longer it takes to shed the pounds.
Taking 45 minutes out your day to workout won’t hurt.
Working out relieves stress and it will make you feel healthier and sexier.
Spring time is the time to get that body back in shape. It’s not hard at all; it takes discipline and dedication.
Put a bottle of water in your hand, instead of the soda.
Eat some salad or a healthy sandwich instead of that greasy burger and fries.
I’m not saying we need to stop eating unhealthy completely; but, cut it down to two or three times a week. Lead by example and others will follow.
Trent Brown is a senior mass communication major from Los Angeles.