UNIVERSITY COUNSELING SERVICES

Fitness & Nutrition

If you watched Good Morning America or listened to Tom Joyner's National Radio Show on the week of November 2, 2003, then you might have heard that 2-year olds in our country are malnourished because they are getting disproportionate amounts of sugar and fat in their diets. It is not uncommon for children 2 and under to have had foods such as french fries, pizzas, and hamburgers introduced into their diets on a regular basis. We are experiencing an epidemic of type 2 diabetes in adolescents and pre-adolescents, especially among African-American, Native American, and Hispanic populations. According to Don Ardell, Ph.D., the former Surgeon General's (David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D.) Report on the Obesity Epidemic emphasizes the need for a "Wellness General," not a Surgeon General.

Despite the past existence of 32 State Governors' Councils on Physical Fitness and Health in this country, only Illinois still requires fitness in the grade schools. It's not easy to convince people to give up their sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy food consumption when the commitment to genuine fitness and healthy nutrition requires time and hard work. Moreover, the rewards leading to health based on wise eating patterns and vigorous exercise habits are not readily apparent. Yet, Public Enemy Number One is us! We need to stop eating so much and exercising so little, says Ardell. The benefits are a healthier longer life with fewer diseases throughout the lifespan. Let's get busy. It's never too late to get healthy!