Opinion
Taking a stance
TBO.com
Published: December 15, 2012
It's always encouraging when you hear stories about local teens getting together to make a difference.Published: December 15, 2012
In this instance, teens from New Port Richey's Youth Advisory Board have decided to get tough on obesity.
With the popularity of video games and online gaming activities skyrocketing, childhood obesity is at an all-time high.
The fact that childhood obesity has more than tripled in the last 30 years is unacceptable.
While significant, positive changes to reduce childhood obesity will take time, Youth Advisory Board members are doing their part by planning an event to combat this deadly epidemic.
On Jan. 19, the Orange Lake area in downtown will be transformed into a model for healthy living, where youngsters of all ages will have an opportunity to test their fitness.
Children will walk around the lake once to receive a special prize, and then will receive additional prizes for every lap they complete after that. Stations also will be set up offering healthy snacks and various boot-camp-style exercises.
It sounds like the teens really have their act together and want to make a difference.
Anyone living near Orange Lake with children should make a point to show their support for this worthwhile endeavor.
If enough children show up, maybe the board will consider conducting similar events on a regular basis.
It's important to remember — the decisions our children make today will impact them for the rest of their lives. Let's help them by giving them a better tomorrow. What better way to do that than helping them get active, fit and healthy?