We are in a crisis situation in this country (no this is not a political blog, although I am tempted) The crisis is with our youth. Instead of no child being left behind, we are hurting an entire generation who will struggle throughout their lifetimes to reverse patterns of childhood behavior. We have a nation of children who are essentially sedentary. Obesity is an epidemic. We are bombarded with solutions that ignore the root of the problem – lack of exercise. It is not about diet, although that is obviously a factor, it is a distinct lack of quality movement in everyday life activities. Even young athletes suffer from this problem, the only time they move is during organized team practices and even those do not demand a high level of activity. If the child is not an athlete forget it, they have no chance. The solution is to get Physical Education back in the schools, get after school sport programs back that promote free play. Recess also would be helpful. Instead of taking more time away from recess and Physical Education give the kids more time to play and move. I would be willing to bet that test scores would rise. The last time I checked reading was a motor skill. Attention deficit behavior would be reduced, ever try to sit in a desk for six hours without moving? Let’s give the kids a chance. The physical education must be physical, not the sorry excuse we have today where the teachers have to make it academic to justify its place in the curriculum. Wake up and move!!