September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month! Who Knew?

I was doing my usual perusing of internet articles and news stories on obesity, when I came across an article that stated, September, this month is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.  With summer winding down, school starting and the Labor Day holiday, this very important information seemed to get lost in the mix and it should not have.  Among the many issues we set aside a special month for, defeating childhood obesity is perhaps one of the most important.

Image by London Summit via Flickr

I reviewed the relevant news information and learned that President Obama did in fact kick off the month with a proclamation.  I read over the reports on the proclamation and found this particular line interesting.  From TheHill.com, “By taking action to address the issue of childhood obesity,” the president said, “we can help America’s next generation reach their full potential.”

I find this political hypocrisy on a grand scale.  Yes, I am aware that the President of the United States has many pressing issues that he has mishandled since his election.  However, this one is a no-brainer and yet, his inaction on childhood obesity is epic.

Image via Wikipedia

Time and time again the President has only given lip service to The First Lady’s signature initiative.

Two prime examples of the President’s insincerity come immediately to my mind.

One brings us all the way back to the President’s first year in office, it took him just about one year to fill positions on the President’s Council on Fitness, Sport and Nutrition.  I understand that ceremonial positions have no genuine power, however, the lack of concern in filling these positions demonstrates a lack of importance, and in turn lack of regard the President has for the health and fitness of this nation.  This President places so much importance on reforming health care and providing care, he totally dismisses the importance of maintaining health.  Childhood and adult obesity are becoming more and more prevalent in the last several years, yet, instead of focusing on one of the most dominant preventable causes of many diseases, the President chose to place this council on the farthest back burner he could locate.

Image via Wikipedia

Second, and just as disturbing, if not more, is President Obama’s complete lack of leading by example when it comes to proper eating and exercise.  I did a Google search for President Obama and exercise, the bulk of the results hadn’t revealed any recent coverage except for mentioning that the President was sometimes playing basketball.  The majority of the stories date back to 2008.  For all of his predecessor’s many failings, President George W. Bush made his personal health and fitness a high priority.  His scheduled exercise times were often used to show how disconnected the former President was, instead of lauding him for his dedication to maintaining his wellness in even the most stressful times.  Additionally, there is the crap for food that President Obama is consistently shoveling into his body.  Often times his dietary choices are foods that are better to have never been conceived, let alone prepared, much less consumed, yet he is photographed gleefully gorging himself.

Image via Wikipedia

Again, I understand that the President of the United States of America has many very real and very pressing issues and situations that require his attention, however, is it really too much to ask that a leader lead through example?  The President has access to fitness equipment and a culinary staff that will prepare him low carbohydrate and extremely healthy meals.  Is it really all that difficult to make 60-90 minutes a day to exercise (especially when his office is downstairs from his residence) and to provide his body with healthy fuel?

It is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, instead of simply being aware, let’s do something our political class seems extremely unable or incapable of doing —- let’s take some action!

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Chiropractor, Dr. Joe Leonardi is the author of the life changing book; Fat Then Fit Now;  A life beyond weight loss.

Dr. Joe Leonardi is available to appear on any talk radio, internet podcasting or television outlet. He has appeared on Public Television WVIA’s State of Pennsylvania and Call the Doctor; Entercom’s Outlook on Northeast PA with Shadoe Steele, Citadel Broadcasting’s Sunday Magazine with Brian Hughes, Lisa Davis’ Your Health Radio; Jimmy Moore’s Livin’ La Vida Low Carb podcast; Hank Garner’s Podcast, Dr. Robert Su’s Carbohydrates Can Kill Podcast.

Dr. Joe Leonardi also will come and speak to your group; to learn more about his motivational speaking fees and availability contact him at fatthenfitnow@me.com

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