Olympic battle against obesity
AS ATHLETES have been wowing audiences in Beijing, Massachusetts just missed the bronze for American fitness. The state's obesity rate of 20.9 percent is fourth-lowest in the nation, according to new data from the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
But even the least obese states have little to celebrate. As recently as 1990, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, no state had an obesity rate of 15 percent or higher. Ten states, including Massachusetts, were under 10 percent.
Today, Colorado wins the gold, but it is the only remaining state under 20 percent. The number of states where the obesity rate has surpassed 25 percent exploded in just the past year, from 19 to 28.
Boston can lead the nation out of its sedentary stupor. The city consistently ranks as one of America's most walkable in the country. It's bikeable, too; just ask Mayor Menino, a recent convert.
In these last days of summer, why not get the family to take a day where everyone unplugs and puts on walking shoes? Walk the Emerald Necklace, the Southwest Corridor, or the Charles River. Smell the flowers at the Arboretum, loop the 2 1/2-mile Loop at Franklin Park. Admire the towering trees of Mount Auburn Cemetery.
Amble around Jamaica Pond, Fresh Pond, or Walden Pond. Bike out to Castle Island. Challenge the Blue Hills. Smell the city's last salt marsh at Belle Isle in East Boston. Feel the history on the Freedom Trail and the Black Heritage Trail or along the 3 miles of trails at the Trustees of Reservations' Bradley Estate in Canton.
No gold medal awaits the walkers. But Team USA will get back into contention on the world stage of fitness. 