what to do about the freshman 15
How cool: the University of Missouri at Columbia is doing some cutting-edge health promotion with its students, via a course that explores the consequences of a sedentary life.
Here’s a description from the AP story posted on MSNBC.com:
The course–apparently one of the first in
the country–will explore how lack of exercise contributes to obesity
and unhealthy aging, marked by heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes,
cancer, muscle wasting, frailty, and dementia. The course also will look
at the consequences for public policy.
Here’s the article: New course helps freshmen beat extra pounds
I like the fact that students will not only pick up useful skills but also learn about the effect of public policy on personal behavior. Addressing the obesity epidemic is going to take a lot more than the current focus on personal responsibility. Yes, that’s essential, but pushing that as the sole solution hasn’t worked. Individuals, schools, community groups, churches, and government can all play a significant part.
