ethical Issue 3 exercise

In this essay I will discuss the ever growing issue of exercise, or lack thereof, and its effect on Americans. In a discussion about exercise it is estimated that seven out of ten Americans will say that they don’t get enough exercise. Why is this such a big concern? It will come as no surprise that exercise is one of the many keys to a longer, healthier, happier life. So why is it that Americans have such a difficult time getting enough exercise? One belief is that our culture aids in a sedentary lifestyle. When I think of American culture what comes to mind are things that require little or no physical effort; watching sports on TV, driving fast cars, Barbeques, boating, holidays that focus on food, and more. All of these activities, although fun, require nothing from us physically and sadly this is what is bringing our culture to this obese state. It is estimated that 58 million Americans are obese and this is partly due to lack of exercise. In America today it is typical to go to work and sit for eight hours or more and then come home to a pre cooked meal and sit in front of the TV for the rest of the evening before going to bed. This type of inactivity could be one of the reasons that America has been named the fattest nation on earth! Living in a country that is so dependent on convenience makes it difficult to create an active lifestyle for a family or an individual, so how do we fix this problem. Many cities are making efforts towards a more active life by creating programs for their residents to become more active. Also businesses support programs of this type to get their employees to be more active. I will be honest and say that I do not get enough exercise, but this is no one’s choice but my own. I take full responsibility for my lack of activity and to be honest I feel that that everyone has to take ownership of their body and this would be the first step to creating a more active country. The reformation of our nation will begin one person at a time individuals and families joining together and becoming more active together would definitely be a positive start to renewing our society. I believe that parents need to be involved in their children’s lives enough to ensure proper nutrition as well as exercise of some sort. Taking children on walks and playing with them outdoors are easy and fun family activities that keep families not only active but also bring them closer emotionally. As with proper nutrition, active lifestyles are taught in the home from an early age and most likely will continue throughout a persons life.