I think that a lot can be done within our public school system to combat childhood obesity. I think that schools should only serve healthy options for meals. Often, we hear the argument that children won't eat healthy food because they don't like it. I think that's a lousy argument. The key is variety. Have a variety of healthy foods available and children will find something they like. Teach them how to make choices by giving them healthy options to pick from! Another area where schools can make a big impact is through physical education. Children need to view physical activity as part of their daily routine. Don't cut gym. Don't eliminate recess. Don't reduce sports programs. Make sure each child is getting exercise EVERY day. Finally, children should have a "healthy living" class every semester, every year. Many children don't know the first thing about how to make a healthy meal, how to fit exercise into their own lives, how to pick a healthy option from restaurant menu, etc....These are things we can teach our children that may make a big impact on their lives.

--Julie Oltman
Assistant Athletics Director for Technology