Q: What is the Youth Fitness and Obesity Institute?
A: The University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls launched an effort in 2001 to address what most view as an unhealthy epidemic among young Americans: sedentary lifestyles and overweight bodies. In its first year, the Youth Fitness and Obesity Institute set four goals to address the physical activity and nutrition needs of children and adolescents, with special emphasis targeted toward small towns and rural communities. The program will train physical education teachers; develop and distribute resource material on nutrition and exercise through schools and program providers; design an integrated physical education and nutrition curriculum; and conduct school-based needs evaluation and surveillance. UNI has earned an outstanding reputation for training professionals to work with youth. For fiscal year 2003, I secured $700,000 in federal money appropriated for the Youth Fitness and Obesity Institute. Meaningful behavioral changes do not happen overnight. Helping programs such as this one at UNI ought to lay the groundwork for an effective, cost-efficient, long-term outreach campaign to target youth obesity. The long-term value may be measured in substantial medical savings with fewer people requiring expensive treatments for chronic illnesses caused in large part by obesity. And in human terms, it may be impossible to quantify the values attributable to physical fitness, from an increase in personal confidence and sense of accomplishment, to higher job satisfaction and better quality of life. UNI will put these federal dollars to good use to make a positive difference for our youngest citizens as they begin to make the lifestyle choices that will have lifelong consequences.
Q: Why is obesity a matter of public policy?
A: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Iowa spends nearly $1.5 billion on treatment of conditions resulting from sedentary lifestyles. That figure will double by 2010 if trends are not reversed. Many say the U.S. faces an obesity crisis among young people and at least 64 percent of the population can be classified as overweight or obese. Just consider on-going debates in our litigation, regulatory and legislative systems. Some want to put stricter labeling requirements on food processors or assign blame to fast food chains. Obesity-related issues are weighing heavily on the minds of consumers, health care professionals, regulators, food manufacturers, and lawmakers. The issue bears enormous consequences for public health, medical costs, sick-leave, disability benefits, and the overall well-being of future generations. Staying physically fit and making healthy food choices are proven preventative measures against obesity-linked diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, injury and heart disease. Obviously, parents provide the first line of defense to steer their children away from cultural pressures that lead to sedentary lifestyles, poor nutrition and over-eating. But educators and policy makers also must step up to the plate to recognize the need for sustained attention on what it takes to entice younger generations to lead a healthy lifestyle. Aside from funding preventive programs like the one at UNI, a good way to get out the message is by example. That’s why I’m leading a team in the "Lighten Up Iowa" campaign, a five-month wellness challenge sponsored by the Iowa Games, the Iowa State University Extension Service and Iowa Department of Public Health. My team of 10, including Iowans and members of my staff, has pledged to exercise, eat healthy and lose 7-10 percent of our body weight by the end of the contest. Personally, I’ve learned first-hand the benefits of physical fitness. Four years ago I started an early morning work-out routine at age 65. There’s no doubt in my mind that regular exercise and good nutrition keeps me fit in mind and body. I encourage every "grown-up" in Iowa to make a positive impression upon your own children or grandchildren, neighborhood youth or young relatives about the importance of staying active and eating right. Making it a family affair will help keep everyone motivated and improve the likelihood for success. Sure it’s easier said than done. But a lifestyle that includes regular exercise, healthy diet, and a good night’s rest will go a long way towards maintaining a higher quality of life well into "old age."