In America, we live in an environment that encourages us to lose weight but at the same time is over-all an obece country. Who would've thought that it would effect future generations so much? It was said that many girls thought they were fat and wanted to be skinnier. This attitude starts as early as grades 1-3. Also, in recent studies it has been shown that 33% of today's kindergardeners will develop type 2 diabetes or receive diabetes from their parents. I bet there aren't any diabetic children in London.
    Of course, this doesn't mean we should ban Halloween and the consumption of sweets, but it could easily start with a simple switch. Instead white bread, eat whole wheat. Kids may not like it at first, but they'll thank you for it later. And this goes for not just parents watching out for their kids, but parents and people without children. Take one day to really pay attention to what you eat on a regular basis. Chips, pop, and donuts? Try fruits, juices/milk, and the crackers and snack bars that say "whole grain". For one thing, it'll bring up iron, which is especially a problem in women. If you happen to be a donut/cookie addict, try muffins. They're better for you and still have the taste of bakery goodness. And while most of us think that cereal makes a healthy breakfast, it's not true for all. In fact, anything with the words "enriched flour wheat" or the like are destined to clog your arteries. Even if you get a few odd glances at the market, read labels. They say the teen generation of America will be the first generation to have a shorter life-span than the generation before it. The average life expectancy of an American was 74 (considerably lower than most countries). Now it may only be 70 or so. The difference may not seem big, but it could lead to a healthier America.
    Along with eating better you should also be excercising. Three times a week is good for the average person, but if you're new to an athletic routine maybe just start out with twenty minutes or so, once a week. Eventually you can work up to three days and you will notice the results. The healthier you are, the more energy you'll have to do other things as well as having more time to do them if you live long. An easy way to start is with walks on the weekends in addition to that one day during the week. Even if you're extremely busy, you can find the time to put in some excercise if only you look for it.