The article includes many solid points but it also raises the question of what are parents and close family members doing to address this epidemic. The industrial food chain is made possible by the large federal subsidies that keep the raw materials (in particular "corn-based" food) that the manufacturers use to make cheap processed foods that are high in calories and fat-laden. The manufacturers' staff of chemists and marketing are "dialed-in" and know how to market this as a meal or healthy option. They have been successful as evidence by the proliferation of fast food restaurants and aisle filled processed foods. The investors have been rewarded in this food chain have been rewarded and lobbyists are readily available to step in to quash any option that threatens the market share and "choice". The problem here is that most people--and they know it--do not read labels or understand they are making poor choices. People are stressed. Planting a garden and becoming educated on food choices takes effort and time. We need to make time to avoid propagating an unhealthy lifestyle. We need to learn to cook, exercise and eat until we are fine. With respect to the latter, more is not good. Cutting back on soda and alcohol is part of what is needed to restore an equilibrium and lead a more healthy life. Counties with available land, can open up spaces and promote gardening as an option. The latter in partnership with medical providers and insurance companies can help ameliorate this crisis. In short, we need to invest in educating ourselves and making an effort, rather that continue as though nothing is happening. As for lobbyists and the manufacturers, they are cunning and people need to recognizes that the proverbial deck is stacked.
I was thinking about this topic recently when I went to an elementary school where I volunteer. A second grade boy had brought a "Lunchables" container, with crackers, some sort of meat, and chips. Lots of sugar and salt. He said he preferred these to the school lunches, which attempt to be healthy. I asked him what he eats at home and he told me corn dogs and chips a lot. I don't know much about his family but perhaps there isn't time for a healthier diet there. Several schools in Longview do have gardens so kids learn to grow and then cook veggies, which is a step in the right direction. Note that there is a bill in the Legislature to mandate 45 minutes of recess for elementary kids, partly to get them more active.
Kids need outside. Public spaces, the Commons. Kick them out of the house. Encourage dirt, wet, wild. They'll love it.
The article includes many solid points but it also raises the question of what are parents and close family members doing to address this epidemic. The industrial food chain is made possible by the large federal subsidies that keep the raw materials (in particular "corn-based" food) that the manufacturers use to make cheap processed foods that are high in calories and fat-laden. The manufacturers' staff of chemists and marketing are "dialed-in" and know how to market this as a meal or healthy option. They have been successful as evidence by the proliferation of fast food restaurants and aisle filled processed foods. The investors have been rewarded in this food chain have been rewarded and lobbyists are readily available to step in to quash any option that threatens the market share and "choice". The problem here is that most people--and they know it--do not read labels or understand they are making poor choices. People are stressed. Planting a garden and becoming educated on food choices takes effort and time. We need to make time to avoid propagating an unhealthy lifestyle. We need to learn to cook, exercise and eat until we are fine. With respect to the latter, more is not good. Cutting back on soda and alcohol is part of what is needed to restore an equilibrium and lead a more healthy life. Counties with available land, can open up spaces and promote gardening as an option. The latter in partnership with medical providers and insurance companies can help ameliorate this crisis. In short, we need to invest in educating ourselves and making an effort, rather that continue as though nothing is happening. As for lobbyists and the manufacturers, they are cunning and people need to recognizes that the proverbial deck is stacked.
I was thinking about this topic recently when I went to an elementary school where I volunteer. A second grade boy had brought a "Lunchables" container, with crackers, some sort of meat, and chips. Lots of sugar and salt. He said he preferred these to the school lunches, which attempt to be healthy. I asked him what he eats at home and he told me corn dogs and chips a lot. I don't know much about his family but perhaps there isn't time for a healthier diet there. Several schools in Longview do have gardens so kids learn to grow and then cook veggies, which is a step in the right direction. Note that there is a bill in the Legislature to mandate 45 minutes of recess for elementary kids, partly to get them more active.