Overweight = Undereducated

A researcher at the University of Texas has discovered that obese girls in America are half as likely to attend college as non-obese girls. This finding is particularly disturbing when you live and work in a state with the fifth highest adult obesity rate in the nation (25.6%) and the third highest rate of overweight high school students (14.6%) that ranks 45th in the percent of adults over age 25 with a bachelor's degree or higher (21.3% compared to 27.2% nationwide). As a health researcher, a citizen of the Commonwealth, and a woman, I worry and wonder - what are we going to do to promote the health and well-being of Kentucky's young women?

Obviously, there isn't a simple solution to the problems of obesity or low educational attainment. However, it is becoming increasingly obvious that schools are one venue for addressing these two critical issues facing the Commonwealth - perhaps even in an integrated fashion. If you saw the movie Akeelah and the Bee, you'll recall her jump rope spelling practice. Innovation such as integrated curriculum is key when working to tackle important issues.

Some of Kentucky's state senators and representatives agree. In the most recent general session, these lawmakers proposed legislation that would bring back physical education into the school day for grades pre-K through 8, including making physical activity a component of the three R's, a la' Akeelah. That sounds a lot better to me than how I received my physical education - running through the hills behind my elementary school with my 40-something fifth grade teacher cattle-prodding me (and the two other students bringing up the rear) to hurry along. Although this bill never made it to the Governor's desk in 2007, the good news is that Kentucky's legislature meets annually. So I'm holding out hope for 2008, especially in light of this recent research. Kentucky's girls deserve better, and I'm confident we can provide it for them.