Dean Karnazes -famous marathon runner, motivational speaker, and world-renowed author- is at it again with his biggest challenge yet! Dean will begin a nearly 3,0000 mile run on February 25th that will kick off at the Disneyland Resort in Southern California and end in the middle of May at the Live with Regis and Kelly studio in New York City. Though Karnazes has been involved in many marathons and is a pro at this sort of thing, this marathon will be his biggest, requiring him to run between 40-50 miles daily-the equivalent of two marathons! The purpose of this Run Across America challenge is to encourage Americans to get up and moving all across our nation. On-Star, Wal-Greens, and Eucerin have all teamed up with Dean, as well as LIVE, to make this event possible.

Although the run  in itself is quite remarkable, Regis and Kelly will be tracking Dean’s challenge every step of the way with live and videotaped portions of his run so that America can take the journey with him. Karnazes has agreed to add to this by updating a blog and taking photographs along the way to keep the viewers informed of his every challenge and success. Many cities have agreed to host 5k running events that are entitled “Run with Dean” where other marathon runners can join in on a small portion of his newest challenge, with all proceeds going to Action for Healthy Kids (a non-profit organization that fights weight problems in kids and helps schools become healthier places by teaching kids to eat right and exercise).

Dean Karnazes has truly been an inspiration to American’s across the nation in his efforts to stay healthy and get our nation moving in the right direction. Dean was named one of the nations “100 Top Influential People in the World” by TIME magazine, the “Fittest Man on the Planet” by Men’s Fitness Magazine, and “Best Outdoor Athlete” for the 2008 ESPY Awards. He has become a best selling author for his books on fitness and healthy living, as well as a motivational speaker for people around the nation. We expect to keep seeing great things from Dean Karnazes and look forward to tracking his journey with him as he makes a milestone in marathon history. Good luck, Dean!!!

http://nutritiondietnews.com/dean-karnazes-running-3000-miles-on-regis-and-kelly-show/851794/

http://www.examiner.com/democrat-in-los-angeles/schools-to-get-required-minimum-physical-education-standards-under-new-bill

For more information on Michelle Obama’s fight against childhood obesity, visit the link below.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/search/site/fight%20against%20childhood%20obesity

Although many want to be responsible for the cure (or at least help), it still seems the root cause is a mystery to some. There is no doubt that an unfortunate condition, such as disease or physical limitations may contribute to a child being overweight. Arguments can also be made that easy access to cheap, unhealthy, fast food is to blame. Others may say it is because kids spend too much time in front of a computer or television.

As common sense would dictate, if a child’s parents are responsible for providing the basics of life – food, clothing and shelter, and a child is reliant on their parents during their childhood for those needs, it would seem reasonable that the parents are responsible for that child’s food choices and caloric intake.

If a child shows up at school with no shoes, It would be easy to say that child’s parents have got to provide shoes, it’s a basic need.  If they can’t afford them, they can get help from many resources in the community. The school may even see if they can find a pair of shoes for the child to wear. Surely, someone would do something and do it right away.

If a child shows up at school 30 pounds overweight, what then? Does anyone contact the school nurse? Does the school try to provide information for the student and parents on how to eat right and exercise? Does anyone call the parents in for a conference?

It is time we take the battle to the source.  Parents must be held accountable for overweight and obese children.  Schools should be able to treat an overweight child, at the very least, like one with no shoes.  Doctors have to speak up when parents need to hear their child is overweight.  Parents must educate themselves and take an active role in the child’s life.

With the first generation of young people predicted to not outlive their parents among us, we have to change tactics.  Political correctness need not interfere. If there is even a slim chance it may make a positive impact, I would rather risk hurting a parent’s feelings than a child’s future.

The Facts:

Data from NHANES I (1971–1974) to NHANES 2003–2006 show increases in overweight among all age groups:
- Among preschool-aged children, aged 2–5 years, the prevalence of obesity increased from 5.0% to 12.4%.8
- Among school-aged children, aged 6–11 years, the prevalence of obesity increased from 4.0% to 17.0%.8
- Among school-aged adolescents, aged 12–19 years, the prevalence of obesity increased from 6.1% to 17.6%.8

The 2007 Tennessee Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicates that among high school students:
- 17% were obese.
- 82% ate fruits and vegetables less than five times per day during the 7 days before the survey.
- 46% drank a can, bottle, or glass of soda or pop (not including diet soda or diet pop) at least one time per day during the 7 days before the survey.
- 58% did not meet recommended levels of physical activity.
- 61% did not attend physical education classes.
- 70% did not attend physical education classes daily.
- 38% watched television 3 or more hours per day on an average school day.
- 23% played video or computer games or used a computer for something that was not school work for 3 or more hours per day on an average school day.

• strengthen bones and muscles without hurting your joints
• tone your entire body
• improve your posture and balance
• increase your stamina and flexibility
• reduce stress and tension
• build confidence
• provide opportunities to meet people, and
• ward off illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, and depression

So if you’re tired of the treadmill and looking for a fun way to stay fit and healthy, it might be time to kick up your heels!  No matter what the genre: country, hip-hop, Latin, or ballroom-there is sure to be a class or group you would enjoy.  KEEP MOVING!-Elizabeth, CPT.