JOEL'S LOG 10/8/07
Over the course of this program, it has become obvious that young people, our demographic, strongly rely on their support system more than any other collective group of individuals. What does that mean?
In the struggle to make a difference in the epidemic that childhood obesity has become, we have identified that these individuals can find significant benefits by modifying their behaviors in relation to exercise, nutrition, and mindset. Having made that determination, these are the areas that we have decided to focus on to achieve optimal results. However, even as each participant has grown to have an understanding of each of these components, they require a tip-top support system with encouragement and involvement from parents, siblings, friends, and teachers.
What we need to realize is that to positively affect the life of our child, or brother, or friend, we must be willing to make the same sacrifices necessary to create a successful environment. We have encouraged all the parents involved in the “9 Kids Challenge” to do just that. In the most successful situations, the child performs their at-home exercises with Mom or Dad, and the eating habits for the entire house have been modified for healthy living.
You will find an entirely different thought rationale at the other end of the scale. That would be the feeling that the child’s problem is not necessarily that of everyone else in the house. This is a destructive mindset that needs to be identified quickly in order for healthy changes to take place. With the shared discipline between child and support system, the probability that the child will experience success increases exponentially.
The reality of the situation is this: If we are not willing to make the sacrifices necessary to make a positive impact on this epidemic, medical costs will rise, disease and disorders will continue to develop at younger ages, and worst of all, we will continue putting the youth of this country at critical risk.
- Joel Brown
Training Champions Institute
