Personal Accountability

During my most recent teaching experience, I asked a group of grade 7 students, who was responsible for the current obesity epidemic.  Who is responsible for our current state of health?  Our kids, parents, and grandparents are sicker and heavier than ever.  This is the first generation of kids that are expected to live a shorter life then their parents.  The statistics are scary. In 2005 the government of Nova Scotia looked at physical Activity levels and dietary intake for grades 3, 7, and 11.  The findings suggest a decrease in physical activity as students get older.  In fact, 9.7% of grade 11 boys and less then 1% of grade 11 girls achieved 60 minutes or more of moderate physical activity on most days of the week (5 or greater).  Now I am not a grade 11 boy or girl and these numbers scare me! Less than 1% of grade 11 girls in Nova Scotia are getting 60 minutes or more of moderate physical activity a week.  This data is scary stuff.  What is the future for our youth?  If kids are sedentary in their teens (supposed to be the most active times in their lives), what does their future hold ?

Personal Accountability is at the forefront of the obesity epidemic.  While cheep anti-foods are easily accessible and physical activity is not promoted nearly enough, this should not be an excuse.  It is too easy to point our fingers at fast food corporations and say they are to blame.  While they do contribute to the obesity epidemic, they are just part of the problem.  Personal responsibility resides inside each and everyone of us.  During a recent encounter with a recovering alcoholic he stressed the importance of personal responsibility.  He said, "although both my parents were alcoholics, it is my fault...I chose to drink... No one forced me to drink... I made the choice and it is no ones fault but my own.  

The message of personal responsibility is something that will stick with me forever.  Just like we may or many not choose to drink alcohol; we choose to eat high fat, sugar, salty, refined foods and neglect exercise.  The very two things (proper nutrition and physical activity) which have kept humans healthy for thousands of years is now being threatened.  We make excuses for poor diet and exercise.  We say, "we don't have time, and that we are too busy."  Well let me ask you.  Are you too busy for your own personal health? If so... perhaps you need to reexamine your priorities for this New Year.  Lets start taking personal responsibility for our health!