As a pediatric nurse (with 30 years experience) who sees far too many pre-teens and teens with obesity, high cholesterol and blood pressure, I commend Mrs. Obama for her actions ["Huckabee Gets Michelle Obama on Fox," usnews.com]. This is not a "one-woman show" being produced by a bored stay-at-home mom. Although she does not hold an M.D. degree nor is she a registered dietician, Mrs. Obama did graduate from Princeton University and Harvard Law School--evidence to at least assume she is capable of spearheading such a project. This is a wonderful and sorely needed program that affects the present and future of all our children. There are plenty of statistics available that prove child obesity in America is at epidemic levels. In the last 30 years the number of children who are overweight has tripled to 15 percent. When you add the overweight and obese statistics together, the problem becomes crystal clear. One-third of the nation's children are carrying too much weight. Please be supportive rather than political; our children need us.

Comment by Karen Westheimer of OH

 

Michelle Obama is focusing on something vital for the future of America--a healthy next generation. Mike Huckabee is showing sincerity in his commitment to the same cause--and maturity as a human being, too. However, it looks like the USA has a fat chance for political and social maturity. Anyway, kudos to Mike and Michelle, and may you prosper in your endeavors! Now, can we see this sort of unity and partnership for Michelle Obama's other efforts? Her work for the families of the Armed Forces should get more attention--and more synergy from a united America. Families who sacrifice so much for their country deserve the full support--not just from the blue states or the red states, but from the entire United States of America.

Comment by Anthony Lysdale of MN

 

This country has become so divided that nothing is off limits. I've seen many presidents come and go but the message should be the same for all. Let us, and the first lady, do everything in our power to ensure that our children and their parents are educated and informed on health issues vital to their longevity. Oh, and while we're at it, let's pass healthcare for every American.

Comment by Judy McCrum of NV

 

Mrs. Obama has a great platform to spread this important message to children and parents across the U.S. about the dangers of obesity. However, I really think that parents need to be the people that make the big changes. They need to manage their kids' diets and make sure they are getting some kind of exercise every day. It shouldn't be the responsibility of the government to teach us how to be healthy. Again, it starts and ends with parental responsibility.

Comment by Jessie of PA

 

Good for Mrs. Obama... I am happy she is bringing a national awareness to this issue. While the right is worried about deficits for the next generation, I am worried to death about the divisiveness that is so thick in this country. I worry about how it will affect our children's future moving forward. If we can't agree on a issue such as [childhood obesity], what can we agree upon? People, please grow up!

Comment by Kat of NJ

 

 

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