Fat Is As Fat Does

For several years now, it's been difficult to see or read any news without an item about "our obese children." Yep - we sure got some fatties waddling around out there. What's the cure? Why, sue the food companies!

I grew up in the Chicago area - those of you from other areas insert your own specialities.

We had McDonalds and Burger King. We also had Italian beefs, meatball sandwiches, pizza and the best hot dogs in the world.

We had coffee shops that had great burgers and fries. We had grills that served them as well.

We had Nehi's, Cokes and all the rest of the sodas, as well as shakes and malts.

Bubble gum and candy bars abounded.

We didn't have the problem of obesity - hell, there wern't that many fat kids to start with. And I bet you know why, don't you?

Every spare minute we had was spent running our asses off - baseball, football - hockey in the winter. Get Mom to take you somewhere? Not likely! You rode your bike or walked. If it was really out of your neighborhood, you took a bus or the El.

None of this was organized - it was all spur-of-the-moment stuff. The point is we stayed active. We didn't have computers or video games and you know what? We didn't miss them for a second.

The food didn't cause this obesity "crisis" in our kids or grandkids. Letting them sit and do nothing is the reason.

If you love your kids, make sure that they get away from the PS2, computer or TV and get them outside.

If you don't, you know who's responsible, don't you?