Thoughts on Consumables, Part II

Had a brief but exciting Facebook exchange with Kevin Strong last night, founder and CEO of Dunk the Junk, an organization that uses the things Kevin loves--graffiti art, rap music, basketball--to bring awareness to kids about obesity and the dangers of junk food. An awesome organization that makes learning about eating fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed sweets and high-sugar drinks a lot of fun for young people. I first became aware of them when they invited Tucker down there to dunk at a promotional rally at an Atlanta elementary school. (One of the coolest pics on my phone is Tuck with Hawk legend Dominique Wilkins, the Human Highlight Reel and a former bad mutha from my childhood). They have some great tips and online videos on their website that are worth not only checking out, but sharing with your kids: you can find them at www.dunkthejunk.org, or you can follow them on both Facebook and Twitter. That little chat with Kevin kind of made my late night--I love seeing somebody take his gift and use it so passionately to help other people.

And junk food is all around us, so it's quite a battle to fight, but one that is worth fighting. I just checked out the CDC (Center for Disease Control) website and found that childhood obesity has tripled in the last twenty years. For some other alarming facts, go to http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm and read up on the health detriments those kids will likely face as adults--it's heartbreaking.

Which brings us to another reason for each of us to get our health right--either now or someday, we as fathers and mothers are modeling health and lifestyle by what we eat and how we take care of ourselves. What we keep in our house, what we pick and let our kids pick when we do have to dine out--we all have a responsibility to our families (or to develop habits for if/when we do have families) to fill our bodies with healthier foods.

Today's challenge: Look around your home or apartment and pick out one food or drink that you know doesn't belong there. Give some thought to the impact of it being in your home, both to you and whomever lives with you. You may decide you don't want it there now or anymore.

Side note: Blueboys host Grinnell College tonight at 7:30. If you like points, tonight would be the night to go.