17 replies to this topic

[WreckWench]

Original Article on WebMD

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Best States for Raising Healthy Kids??

-- Connecticut is America's top state for raising healthy kids, while Alaska ranks lowest on a list compiled by Child Magazine.

Of course, it's possible to raise a fit child anywhere. No state has a monopoly on health, but some may make it a bit easier to achieve, according to the survey.

See where your state ranks and why?

[Walter]

This is silly. States are ranked higher or lower because of requiring or not requiring PE classes and if they have healthy foods in school cafeterias. This is simply encouraging a lack of individual responsibility. A state is not safer for children because it offers healthy food in school cafeterias. It does assist parents and children in that it makes healthier choices available. That's not the same as being a safer state in which to raise children. A safer state in which to raise children would be one in which factors beyond control of parents are either naturally safer or are controlled by the state - clean air comes to mind, toxic waste is another.

[Cold_H2O]

Washington.. 24... as close to the middle without actually being there....
That sounds about right.....
Thanks WW...
Walter.. Ditto you response...

Edited by gis_gal, 06 April 2005 - 08:48 PM.

[RichardB]

This is silly. States are ranked higher or lower because of requiring or not requiring PE classes and if they have healthy foods in school cafeterias. This is simply encouraging a lack of individual responsibility. A state is not safer for children because it offers healthy food in school cafeterias. It does assist parents and children in that it makes healthier choices available. That's not the same as being a safer state in which to raise children. A safer state in which to raise children would be one in which factors beyond control of parents are either naturally safer or are controlled by the state - clean air comes to mind, toxic waste is another.

Yeah, what he said!

[Dive_Girl]

What Walter said too and what is the definition of a "healthy kid"? WW you might lean toward nutrition, however I would include mental health and habits in that definition. For example Montana ranked high on their list, but that is a hard state to live in and has typically in the past had quite the trouble with underage drinking (I attended high school in Montana for a couple years).

Just more things to think about. Just because there are programs that take nutrition into consideration doesn't mean that child is going be exposed to less underage drinking, drugs, crime, and have any better respect for humanity. Almost my entire family (including bother-in-law) and best friend are teachers or school administrators. It's amazing how they are treated by btoh students and parents alike. The lack of respect for authority and their fellow human being is truly shocking.

[WreckWench]

The article in an of itself is bogus in that its criteria for quote unquote 'Healthy' eating is not eating at all but rather requiring exercise, etc. Some mention was made of schools offering healthy snacks and water and Texas is proposing a 'Twinkie' or junkfood tax.

However it has encouraged people to talk about real subjects such as the quality of life and subjects truly important to raising kids...and for that...it was good!

So anyone wanna move to CT???

[Dive_Girl]

However it has encouraged people to talk about real subjects such as the quality of life and subjects truly important to raising kids...and for that...it was good!

Oh yes absolutely!!!

[Hipshot]

Perhaps the biggest fallacy here is that we're looking at what state is best. Most states, at least here in the Northeast, are a mosaic of different communities. Take Connecticut, for instance. I have no doubt that it is healthier, in terms of environment, to be in northeastern Connecticut, than some of the urban areas, such as Hartford. On the other hand, southwestern Connecticut, because of its high per capita income, generally has good schools and a high standard of living, although even in this area, there are variations from community to community. Looking at the state level is too macroscopic. Look at local communities.

Rick


Everyone is entitled to my opinion.
--Madonna

Edited by Hipshot, 07 April 2005 - 05:53 PM.

[Walter]

Excellent points, Rick.

[WVMike]

So anyone wanna move to CT???

Not.

I agree with the consensus here.

However did you note that WV ranked 7th. I would have thought first. This is a great place to live, hard place to make a living. My kids have all thrived here.

Mike

[Hipshot]

So anyone wanna move to CT??? 

At least you'll know someone when you get there!!!

Cheers,
Rick


Remember that you show compassion to others not because of who they are but because of who you are.

[tdtexas]

Do not go to Oklahoma unless you want them to drive pick up trucks & think a night of entertainment is a "kegger" in a middle of a field!

[RichardB]

Do not go to Oklahoma unless you want them to drive pick up trucks & think a night of entertainment is a "kegger" in a middle of a field!

Hey now...you Texas people owe a lot to OK! If it were not for Oklahoma, Texas wouldn't even exist. If Oklahoma didn't suck you'd have fallen off into the Gulf years ago! LOLOLOL, Just kidding!

[Dive_Girl]

Do not go to Oklahoma unless you want them to drive pick up trucks & think a night of entertainment is a "kegger" in a middle of a field!

Sounds like entertainment in rural Montana, Idaho, Oregon...I don't think Oklahoma has a monolpoly on trucks and field keggers!

[dustbowl diver]

Sounds like entertainment in rural Montana, Idaho, Oregon...I don't think Oklahoma has a monolpoly on trucks and field keggers! 

Do they offer this as a major at your universities in the PNW??

They do in Oklahoma!!

DBD