Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido are discipline of coordination; a way of strengthening the mind
and body, of fusing the individual's physical and mental powers so that he or she will emerge as a more
fully integrated human being. It also provides complete physical conditioning which improves
balance, posture, flexibility, timing, quickness, muscle tone, joint strength and most importantly,
confidence through physical and mental discipline. The immediate aim of Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido
is of course the welfare of the one practicing it. Not only will skills in self-defense be attained, but also
more importantly will be the focus on an individual's character development. A well-rounded personality
can be realized only if the spirit is right. Courtesy, Respect, Modesty, Loyalty, Generosity, and Dedication
are not only the source, but also the rewards of Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido.
Now the major health challenge for the 21st Century is obesity in the nation. Obesity is making the
headlines in every state of our county. Current statistics place 64 percent of the adult population
within some definition of obesity, from overweight to morbid obesity. Women and men are about
equally represented (64.5 million women, 65.1 million men) in the 129.5 million American adults who
are overweight. Nearly 62 percent of women and 67 percent of men are overweight. These statistics
mean that less than half of the American adult population is of a healthy weight!
Childhood obesity is rapidly becoming a global health problem. According to the 1999-2000 National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the number of American children who are obese or overweight
has tripled since the 1960's, escalating from five to fifteen percent. Many other countries are also seeing
increases in childhood obesity.
Children's fitness can help prevent or treat childhood obesity. With the boom in electronic entertainment,
children are more often found watching TV or surfing the Internet than getting out and moving around.
Moreover, tight school budgets have resulted in cuts to the physical education curriculum and the sporting
programs schools can offer, further affecting children's fitness.
Fortunately, childhood obesity is both preventable and reversible. Even small changes to diet and exercise
routines can positively affect children's fitness and weight.
Parents and Childhood Obesity
Parents are the most important role models in a child's life. Parental attitudes towards diet
and exercise influence children's fitness. Children in families with parents who actively
exercise and make careful nutritional choices are less likely to suffer from childhood
obesity than children with sedentary parents.
Parents can promote children's fitness by playing active games with their children and encouraging
children to engage in sports and outdoor activities. Parents with daily exercise routines and nutrition plans
lead by example, providing daily reminders of the importance of staying fit and healthy.