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The battle against childhood obesity in America took on a new dimension when First Lady Michelle Obama recently chose to make it the focus of her attention. Parents, especially, should listen to what she is saying.
Mrs. Obama is encouraging families to make healthier choices at home in what they eat. She's calling for more nutritious food in school lunchrooms. And she is advocating a return to more physical activity. Children, she says, need 60 minutes of active and vigorous play every day to grow up to a healthy weight.
The need for such a campaign is staggering. A third of all kids in the United States are either overweight or obese. Their long term health is severely threatened. Billions are spent each year treating obesity related conditions. Most alarming, some experts predict that the rising generation could be the first in American history to live shorter lives than their parents.
This is a battle, of course, that is being waged on many fronts. Those local school districts, for example, that have made changes in lunchroom menus and vending machine inventory deserve commendation. But much more must be done. The First Lady's focus is another important volley in an ongoing battle for the long term health of America's children.
