Promoting health and fitness among young people

It is often claimed that physical inactivity has become a serious problem among young people. Children around the world do not get enough exercise and do not follow a healthy diet either. Regular physical activity, on the other hand, reduces all-cause mortality and many chronic diseases. There is an opportunity for the government to do something in order to change this situation. In this essay I will explain two possible actions that should be considered.

Firstly, we ought to consider improving teaching in schools. It is clear that education and health are closely related. In fact, education and health policy makers should work together. A good education improves health outcomes. Similarly, promoting health in schools improves educational outcomes. To this end, schools should be provided with specialist sport teachers. Specialist sport teachers could help children and teenagers discover sporting hobbies along with healthy diets. This could develop the beneficial habits that we are seeking. (We say 'could' not 'would'. 'Would' is used when you are absolutely sure of the promised outcome, because this hypothesis was researched, tested and proven. If you have not done the research - neither you or someone else, your statement is not evidence-based, hence, it is a possibility - and I recommend that you use 'could'.) 

A second approach could be to improve the image of sports. Many children, especially girls, hold a negative image of sports. Girls and boys have different reasons to practice sports. Consequently, we must understand their different interests. Educational fitness programmes could then be developed to target both sexes. 

As I see it, both tactics could be carried out together. The former approach starts from the beginning, trying to change the educational system and the latter offers a good way to collaborate on such an arduous task.