Photo Credit: SurroundSound500 on Flickr.com
It’s no secret that the world wide obesity epidemic continues to grow at an alarming rate. Even more alarming, though, is the increase in childhood obesity and the major medical issues that accompany this condition. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and even the beginning stages of coronary artery disease are all on the rise in the pediatric population.
The quest for a solution is not elusive. Good old diet and exercise are still the backbone of any healthy lifestyle regimen, but it seems more and more difficult to keep kids off the couch these days. That’s where the “Morning Mile” comes in. By carving out a small block of time for exercise at the beginning of the day in a reward based environment, the “Morning Mile” instills good lifestyle practices at an early age. It makes exercising fun, and, let’s face it, that’s what kids want.
As a physician, I am always interested in promoting ways to keep people healthy. A program like the “Morning Mile” is a great step in constructing a state of mind where exercise is not a chore but, instead, a fun part of everyday life. I am thrilled that it’s available at my child’s school. In an ideal world, every single place where kids attend school would incorporate the “Morning Mile” into the curriculum.
Sean Kiley, M.D.
