Editorial

Modern-time creature comforts come at a cost

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Plains pioneers did without a lot of creature comforts, but one thing they didn't lack was exercise.

Study old photos of sodhouse settlers, and you'll notice most of the subjects seem to be in good physical condition. They had to be; survival demanded plenty of manual labor, and household chores from laundry to cleaning to cooking had to be performed in the crudest possible fashion.

Today, much of that physical work has disappeared, whether we're involved in agriculture, blue-collar or especially white-collar trades. Our homes are equipped with the latest in electronic, automated appliances, and much of our time is spent staring at electronic screens attached to television or computer circuitry or game technology.

Yes, our lives are much more enjoyable now that our dirt floors have been replaced with carpeting and multiple bathrooms replace the path to the backyard privy.

But we've paid a price for all that leisure.

As Gov. Dave Heineman pointed out in Tuesday's State of the State address, obesity is a problem in Nebraska.

More than a quarter of Nebraska adults are obese, ranking 18th in the nation, 7 percent have diabetes, 22 percent are judged to not get enough exercise, 24 percent have high blood pressure, and 12 percent of children 10 to 17 years old are overweight.

"In Nebraska, we must reverse the trend of childhood obesity," Heineman said. "By doing this, we will reduce the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease for our most precious resource -- our children. This issue doesn't require a new law. It's about eating properly and exercising regularly. Both children and adults need to be physically active," the governor said.

Heineman wants to lead by example, and did so at a staged 30-minute walk through the halls of the Capitol Building last Thursday to help promote the 2008 N-Lighten Nebraska campaign.

There will be new awards for Nebraska companies that promote wellness, and last year, 140 teams of state workers lost a total of 1,650 pounds and logged more than 100,000 activity miles under the program.

Cost is $15 for adults, although many Nebraska companies cover all or part of the entry fees for their employees. Teams may register online at www.N-LightenNebraska.com by the deadline this Friday, although entries will be accepted throughout the program, which ends May 1.

Check out the Web site above for more information.

Also, check out two "Mind, body and spirit" pages in today's edition, pages 8-9, and other pages throughout the week to promote better living.

With a little more self-discipline and more exercise, we can truly enjoy the benefits of today's lifestyle.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: