Battling the Obesity Epidemic in Our Schools Through Health Education NICHOLAS FERRONI
“As a child, I wanted to be a superhero, philosopher, actor, philanthropist, comedian, psychologist and Indiana Jones... So I became a teacher.” As an educator, who continues to witness the health of his students decline year after year, it has become obvious that all the experts, politicians, and school boards fail to do the one thing that will reverse the obesity epidemic. Providing nutrition education and an understanding about proper nutrition is the only way to change what is becoming a self-inflicted and historic crisis for Americans. It is imperative to educate students, not only in a high school health class, but as early as possible. Nutrition education and nutritious food options are only part of the problem, though a large part; it’s the declining standards and requirements needed in physical education classes that also have a large effect on the declining health of our children and students. Instead of increasing the levels of activity required in a PE class, it seems that states are decreasing the levels in order to cater to our larger number of inactive and obese students. So, they are literally doing the complete opposite of what they should do
and, in turn, are making children unhealthier. States should increase the level of activity required and assume that PE classes may be the only form of physical activity that students receive on a daily basis, excluding those involved in sports and other after school activities. As long as schools give their food vendor contracts to the lowest bidder, and not those that have the highest quality, students will not only continue to decline in health, but their academics will be affected as well. Until this is reversed, I, along with nearly every other teacher, will find ourselves combating students and their inability to focus, not because of their lack of interest, but due to their lethargic behavior which is absolutely related to their school lunch. Instead of being quick to medicate students, or even suspend students who have issues with controlling their behavior, parents and educators should get them a gym membership. Over the years, I have found immense success with students who were considered unreachable or even hopeless, and they learned commitment, work ethic, self-control, and teamwork, as well as many other qualities that they can apply to life. After joining the gym, my students have not only improved their grades, but they went on to be role models and mentors to other students.
Providing nutrition education and an understanding about proper nutrition is the only way to change what is becoming a self-inflicted and historic crisis for Americans.
Nicholas Ferroni is a nationally recognized educator and youth advocate. This former actor turned teacher, writer, and host was recently named one of the 100 most influential people in America for his commitment to education reform and unconventional teaching methodology, and was also named one of Men’s Fitness Magazine’s “25 Fittest Men in the World.” Nicholas is currently developing a history show pilot, which he will be hosting, and is also working on his celebrity charity book titled The Awkward Album, which will reveal some of our most beloved celebrities’ awkward childhood photos and moments to show every child that everyone (including celebrities) goes through awkward and insecure moments in their youth.
PHOTOS: JUAN CESPEDES ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 33