I recently read a report in the Washington Post on the unhealthy lifestyles kids in the U.S. are leading, today:
“Almost one in six American children and teens are overweight, according to the U.S. Surgeon General’s office, which also warns that 70 percent of overweight teens will grow into overweight or obese adults. ”
Television, junk food and school lunches are the main culprits mentioned, but the article also makes an interesting point:
“Schools have a big part to play, but kids often aren’t offered the best choices at school or in the community. It’s up to parents to lead by example.”
Crap.
Well, taking into consideration that I spend most of my spare time (however stingy it may seem, at the moment) sitting in a car and/or driving my kids (everywhere) and allowing them to walk (anywhere) with the amount of traffic running in, around and through our town is dangerous, quite frankly. Then, the rest of the time, they see me working in front of a computer, while wolfing down a cereal bar, because I just can’t seem to find the time to, you know, eat.
Riiiiight - not a very good example, eh? - thankfully, our county offers a wonderful parks program (read: convenient AND affordable) that is chocked-full of activities NOT involving the use of one’s backside, still.
“Okay, so you’re not into sports and hate the outdoors…um…how about a nice pottery class?”
Once they hit their teens, the choices become slim (no pun intended, sort of) but, then I remembered receiving an email about a new concept - O2 MAX!
Have you guys heard about this, already?
O2 MAX is the brainchild of concerned mom Pam Goldman, fitness expert and aspiring entrepreneur Karen Kashinsky, trainer Heather Kandawire and the newly inspired Shirley Brown.
These woman got together and realized their vision - creating a safe place where kids could hang out, exercise, study and relax - and came up with one kicking business plan…over a light lunch…no doubt.
They opened their first O2 MAX hub in L.A. this fall and hope to continue opening new hubs throughout the country as the year(s) go by.
“We are driven by a passion to help teens avoid the epidemic of obesity and ill-nutrition that is growing in America . We take a holistic, mind-body-soul educational approach - we want to help kids be physically fit, intellectually successful, and balanced and confident in their personalities. We also want to create that place in our community where teens can gather and socialize in an environment that supports health, good nutrition, academic success, respectful relationships, and have all that in a safe environment with supportive adult trainers, tutors, and mentors.”
Now, why the hell don’t we all have one of these - instead of a bank at every corner - huh?
Because this is a totally new concept - rather than complaining about how fat and lazy are teens are getting - I thought that perhaps these guys deserve a little press, if not a big old shout out, too.
They ARE looking for a National Online Parent Advisory Board parent team advisers, just so you know.
I, for one, applaud you young ladies (and gentlemen) over at O2 MAX and hope that you see it fit to come on over to the right coast, real soon - you can hang with me and my kids, anytime!
