August 15

Distance: 3 miles
Song of the Run: "That's What You Get for Waking Up in Vegas" - Katy Perry

Run Notes:
Short run today after the long eight of yesterday. Besides, today is a weight workout day as well. The legs felt tired but made it up the long hill. Very hot today. Some days it is harder to push yourself out onto the road and today was one of them. However, once I get out and start running it always feels worth it.

Who is Responsible for Your Health?
I have challenged the family to running the 5K race on Labor Day. While my husband is enthusiastic my 16-year old is not entirely happy. I did kick her out of the house for a mile run this morning. We'll see how far we get on this subject.

My motivation for getting them moving is based on health. That and the article in the NY Times this morning about fat tax and whether obese people should pay more for health insurance. I'm sure a lot of people would think just the idea of such a thing as unfair. However, when you think about it the high cost of obesity, and diabetes which is often associated with it, it makes sense. Unless people are willing to change behavior we can talk about health reform all we want but it will not mean the country will get healthier.

So who is responsible for getting America healthier? The proposal in the article suggested it is indeed up to the government. It took the responsibility on in its war against smoking, so why have they not waged a campaign against obesity? And if they did do you think it would work? Isn't obesity considered an epidemic? Then perhaps the government should step in with higher taxes on junk food and limiting the types of food served in schools, thereby changing people's habits which contribute to the problem.

All of this brings me back to my family with its history of heart disease and diabetes. I am pushing them into another pattern of behavior which I hope will result in having them stick around a little longer.