Healthier Nation:

You might think we’re one of the healthiest nations, but we’re not. Compared to other developed nations, we’re lagging far behind. The thing is: It doesn’t have to be this way. We can make this the healthiest nation in one generation. Committing to a healthier America is something we all can do.

A healthier America won’t be possible without the support of your communities and schools. We need to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Encourage others to do the same. Help us teach a new generation that simple actions – like not smoking and eating healthy – lead to a happier, longer and more productive life. After all, healthy children will become healthy adults.

The Centers for Disease Control says that by 2010, 20 percent of American children will be considered obese. According to experts, this generation might be the first in recorded history not to outlive their parents. Despite these predictions, physical education in elementary schools remains low on the list of priorities. OTL examines the link between childhood obesity and the de-emphasis on physical education in our schools.

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