By exercising more, the overall health of our country’s youth will improve drastically, creating a brighter future for America.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of U.S. adults (35.7%) and about 14.94% of children, ages 18 and under, are obese. Obesity can cause heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, some of the leading causes of preventable death. In recent years, medical costs associated with obesity were estimated at $147 billion; additionally, the medical costs for people who are obese were $1,429 higher than those of normal weight. This is taking a toll on our nation’s economy and society.
We, the people, must assure that young people are healthy enough to live a long life and have successful futures.