Thursday, May 14, 2009

Academic Honors





I have amazing children! We went to Maren's honor society program the other night. It's so nice having children that do well in school. I've only had one that has struggled to learn how to read and have a hard time academically (but he's doing much better now). Maren has had a great two years at Hedrick Middle School. She has loved her teachers, has had great friends, and has done great in her classes. She was disappointed though because she got a B her first quarter in Algebra so wasn't able to be in the top 5% for the two years in Middle School (you had to have a straight 4.0). But she did great nonetheless. She is a great example to all around her and is very kind and caring. We love to have Maren around!

Maren and her friend Caroline:

I had to grab a picture of Maren's name on the track board from the District Competition:

Posted by Janet Lightheart at 1:26 PM  

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My Thoughts on HEALTH and NUTRITION

The above slide show depicts the changes over the past 20 years in the percentage of Americans who are obese. During the past 20 years there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States. The slide set illustrates this trend by mapping the increased prevalence of obesity across each of the states. In 1985 most of the states had a percentage of <10%.>25%. So why the change? What has brought on this increase in our nation? Here are my thoughts.

1. TECHNOLOGY
The 80s and 90s brought computers and game consoles to the world. Outside work and play have been replaced by many hours in front of the computer and electronic games. This has led to a nation that is much less active than before.

2. DIET FADS
The 80s is characterized by the LOW-FAT diet craze. If you ate things that were LOW-FAT you weren't supposed to "get fat." The food guide pyramid was taught. It focused on eating large amounts of grains (6-11 servings of bread, cereal, rice & pasta a day). Other diet fads have been the "low calorie diet" and the "Adkins" or low-carb diets. These diet fads have changed the way people think "healthy" eating should be.

3. EASY/PROCESSED FOODS
Our nation now has a "get it quick and get it now" mentality. Fast food restaurants are abundant and very accessible. The less time it takes to make or get our food, the better.

I feel that the three of these areas combined have led to an increase in obesity in our nation. SO NOW WHAT?

1995 Food Guide Pyramid

1995 Food Guide Pyramid
This is the old food guide pyramid

My Pyramid

My Pyramid
This is the new pyramid - it focuses on activity and more balance in foods.

My Solution

Coming Soon:)