Recently Michelle Obama made some comments that ruffled quite a few feathers. In her efforts to launch a campaign against childhood obesity she made some statements about her own children that rose more than a few eyebrows. Some of the criticism stemmed from the mere fact that she used her own children as an example. Some critics believe that Mrs. Obama should have kept her children out of the discussion.
Other criticism that arose was based on her doctor’s assessment that her daughter was overweight and needed to go on a diet. Critics believe there is a fine line between curbing obesity and triggering eating disorders. Concerns that her daughter was referred to as being overweight seemed to validate that.
For some these are valid concerns and for others things have just been taken the wrong way. No matter how you feel about Mrs. Obama’s personal comments the question still remains. Should government be involved in fitness?
Michelle Obama’s campaign is called “Let’s Move.” She announced that the administration would upgrade the council’s “Physical Fitness Challenge” and award children who participate in physical activity five days a week for six weeks. There are also efforts being made to help parents and schools with providing healthier food choices. She would like to see healthier food items becoming more available and affordable.
Now some have compared her efforts to former president Dwight D. Eisenhower who created the “President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports” in 1956. It was a struggling program that has continued to be so with other presidents since the creation.
The problem is that society pushes children in the opposite direction of health and fitness. Today’s children are fighting what some may call a losing battle. With children facing the pull to eat fast food or munch on high-fat foods, along with becoming a generation of couch potatoes it seems like a no-win situation. Perhaps with government intervention they can be helped? That is a valid question we must ask ourselves.
What do you think? Do you think government should be involved in fitness?
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