The Mal-Engineering of Americas Future

By Nicolas R. Falk
In todays media saturated world, the long list of issues that ail adolescents is extensive. This list is mainly comprised of high alcohol and drug abuse, teen pregnancy, and extreme partying. These subjects are over-embellished within mainstream media making them seem cool rather than serious issues deteriorating our country. The sensationalism surrounding pop culture dialogue always manages to overshadow serious underlying issues. We seldom hear about childhood obesity, which is one of the worst problems hidden within the long list plaguing American adolescents. The percentage of obese children has doubled from 7% in 1980 to 18% in 2010. This staggering statistic shows just how widely this problem has spread; which begs the question, why dont we hear more about it? Its very disappointing to see that in America, the next boy band remains dominant within the mainstream media. Instead, we should be focusing on real, important issues that affect the much more general public. Children and adolescents who are obese are at greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem. While we are focused on whats hip and who the next American idol is, thousands of adolescents in the America are being bullied, yet there is nothing effective being done. Why is this? Its a clear disregard for that which matters, choosing to overlook and ignore rather than face

and fix. Our health, our bodies are the machines that drive us. If thousands of adolescents are not being taught how to preserve their machine, and what the correct fuel is to keep that machine running properly, what can we expect for our future? Our youth is being plagued by something that affects their mind and body. Creativity and innovation are created in the minds of young people; if our stock of brilliance is reduced to nothing, and depleted at the most basic level, what possible positive outcome is there left for the future society? Not facing this issue head on, will only lead to the mal-nourished future society, which was basically engineered from laziness and ignorance of the present leadership. This sad glimpse at whats to come will hopefully inspire somebody to endure a lifestyle change. "The physical and emotional health of an entire generation and the economic health and security of our nation is at stake." With the nation in peril its imperative to take action now. Irrelevant issues should not be glamorized and take precedence over that which is really important. I feel as though we should be teaching society that it isnt impossible to make a difference and that it only takes one person to enact real change within a society. Why not let it be you?

Refrences:
Center for Disease Control (2013, July 12) Childhood Obesity Facts retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm Center for Disease Control (2013, August 3) Progress on Childhood Obesity Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/childhoodobesity/ Obama, M. (2010, March 10). First lady column on physical acitvity. Retrieved from http://www.letsmove.gov/first-lady-column-physicalactivity