Well, this did not just happen overnight and for no apparent reason. There are many factors that are leading the US younger population to be experiencing major health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, anxiety, depression, suicide, and other issues, typically considered as adult issues in years past.

Obesity

• Increased consumption of processed foods and sugary drinks: The rise of fast food, sugary drinks, and processed snacks has contributed to a significant increase in calorie intake and a decrease in nutrient intake among young people.
• Decreased physical activity: The increased prevalence of sedentary lifestyles, due to factors such as television, video games, and computer use, has led to a decrease in physical activity among young people.
• Marketing of unhealthy foods: Children and adolescents are bombarded with advertisements for unhealthy foods, which can influence their dietary choices.

Diabetes

• Genetic predisposition: Type 2 diabetes has a strong genetic component, and a family history of the disease increases the risk of developing it.
• Obesity: Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
• Unhealthy diet: A diet that is high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and red meat can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Lack of physical activity: Physical activity helps to control blood sugar levels and can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Anxiety and depression

• Increased academic pressure: Young people today face a lot of pressure to succeed in school, which can lead to stress and anxiety.
• Social media: Social media can be a source of both positive and negative social interactions. For some young people, social media can lead to feelings of isolation, inadequacy, and anxiety.
• Cyber-bullying: Cyber-bullying is a growing problem that can have a serious impact on the mental health of young people.
• Fear of violence: Young people today are more likely to be exposed to violence, both in their communities and in the media. This exposure can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, and stress.

Suicide

• Mental health disorders: Mental health disorders are a major risk factor for suicide.
• Substance abuse: Substance abuse is another major risk factor for suicide.
• Exposure to violence: Young people who are exposed to violence are more likely to attempt suicide.
• Lack of access to mental health care: Many young people who need mental health care do not receive it, which can increase their risk of suicide.

Other issues

• Sleep deprivation: Young people today are more likely to be sleep deprived, which can lead to a variety of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, anxiety, and depression.
• Exposure to environmental toxins: Young people are more likely to be exposed to environmental toxins, such as lead and air pollution, which can have a negative impact on their health.
• Lack of access to healthy food: Many young people do not have access to healthy food, which can lead to a variety of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

These are just some of the factors that are leading the US younger population to be experiencing major health issues. It is important to address these issues in order to promote the health and well-being of young people.

Solutions

• Put physical education (PE) back into schools as a priority: Young and old people today need physical activity, not just for the body but their brains. Physical activity is known to help reduce and manage obesity, diabetes, anxiety, and depression.
• Keep the environmental poisons away from the kids: Get the young people off the couch and computer screens and outdoors to get some fresh air and appreciation for the nature that is all around us.
• Remove the crap junk food from the diet: Young people eat what schools offer, whether healthy or not. Just as they will eat what their parents buy and put in their homes. If adult parents cannot be disciplined themselves to eat healthier, how can we expect the kids to do the same. Lead by example.
• Be parents to your children, and stop being their friends: DO YOUR JOB! Give your kids love, guidance, direction, compassion and boundaries. Be better advocates for their health and well-being. Plant good seeds, not bad weeds!

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I teach and offer lectures about holistic health, qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, meditation, phytotherapy (herbs), music for healing, self-massage, and yoga. I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

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Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119