So what's the point of living, you ask, if you can't have a few beers and polish off a half-pound of beef dripping with bacon grease and cheese, topped with salt and ketchup (sugar)?
For me, I guess living is the point. If I knew that all of that stuff would not do any noticeable harm to my health, I'd probably indulge more. But they will, so I don't. As a result, I get to keep doing what I enjoy -- writing -- hopefully without becoming a burden on others. I believe if the body stays healthy so does the mind. It's a package deal.
The healthy mind part, to me, includes not dismissing out of hand any scientific information just because it doesn't fit with my preferred view of the world. In addition to the epidemic of obesity in America, there is also a rising addiction, I believe, to willful ignorance: Science is wrong, the willfully ignorant say. Doctors are wrong. Historians are wrong. Nutritionists are wrong. Teachers are wrong. Journalists are wrong. Everyone who upsets my apple cart is wrong and I have a right to my opinion.
So, my opinion: The Earth is round, human behavior has caused significant warming of the planet's temperature and indulging in an unhealthy diet out of some perverse notion that eating healthful is some elitist plot is not just your personal opinion if it affects me. The cost of medical care and health insurance rise as our national health profile falls. As we neglect our bodies by rejecting science, so do we neglect our minds. As a nation, we become lazy, mentally as well as physically.
That's why it's important to us as a nation to pass along sound, scientifically proven advice to our children on living a healthful -- perhaps happy and productive -- life. Even such a small example as former First Lady Michelle Obama's initiative for more healthful school lunches is helpful. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act took effect in 2010 and has been the source of controversy from the beginning. Among other things, it calls for more fruits and vegetables and less salt in school lunches.
It's a simple way of teaching young people how to enjoy eating a more healthful diet. Since adults' choices generally become their children's choices, the national obesity issue does not involve just adults. So I was disappointed, on checking, to note that this year the rules for healthful school lunches have essentially been abandoned.
Still, I said to myself, there is always the exercise and fitness part of the equation. That's important to pass on to kids and we have long had JFK's-inspired President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition to set a good example in that regard. The council has typically recommended 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity every week. Keep those bodies moving, kids.
I visited that government site, which contains plenty of good information on living a healthy lifestyle. I was pleased to note that it encourages Americans to "follow a healthy eating pattern across the lifespan" and to support such patterns for everyone.
Great, I said. What else might the council have on its agenda? I wondered. And who's on the council, anyway, I also wondered, remembering that Arnold Schwarzenegger, former Mr. Universe, California governor and Terminator is a former chairman.
Here's what I found under the "Meet The Council" heading on the web site: "The President's Council engages, educates, and empowers all Americans to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and good nutrition. The President's Council is made up of athletes, chefs, physicians, fitness professionals, and educators who are appointed by the President and serve in an advisory capacity through the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
"Council Co-Chairs -- To Be Announced "
"Council Members -- To Be Announced "''
There is no council.
Like I said, folks, it's your choice. You're on your own.
But at least I didn't write about him.
rjgaydos|AT|gmail.comEmail address
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