Too Much Stress

Too much stress can be harmful to our physical and mental health. Today, it is just as much a problem in teenagers as it is in adults, and it may even be more of a problem. Students are now taking on so much in their daily schedules, it is more harmful than helpful, leading to an agonizing amount of stress.
It is proven that stress leads to depression, thoughts of suicide and increased anxiety. This is a growing problem all around the world. From experience, I have noticed the curriculum in schools getting pushed down a little more every year. My younger sister is three grades below mine. She is learning things in eighth grade that I did not learn until I was a freshman in high school. That may only be a one year difference in the curriculum, and in high school and even middle school that may not matter. However, in elementary school it is too much for students. My mom is a kindergarten teacher and she sees this first hand. Their students enter kindergarten, many times without knowing any of their letters yet are expected to know how to read by the time they leave. Just this change in curriculum itself can lead to increased levels of anxiety and poor mental health. When kids are young, they should be playing and acquiring basic learning skills. Now, they have hardly any time for play in a kindergarten classroom, which I believe is worse in terms of their development and it leads them to be more stressed out at a younger age.
Another problem is the physical consequences of stress, including increased blood pressure and believe it or not, ware on your body. Teens have multiple extra-curricular activities and are still pressured to do well in difficult classes at school. A lot of teen stress also comes from all of the testing done in schools. I cannot go a day without a test or quiz in at least one of my classes. This means that every night I have a new quiz, test or presentation to study for and stress about, and often more than one. I am involved in sports that practice every day. I also have homework from all my other classes. It is not sustainable and I know that I am not the only student athlete that feels overwhelmed by all of the pressure put on us to succeed. Our bodies are tired and some nights I am ready to go to bed by seven. When I am stressed out I have trouble focusing in class and I often feel out of control, which leads to high blood pressure. High school sometimes seems like too much.
Overall, I believe that students are exposed to too much stress. We are busy and it may seem that we didn't study for a test because we blew it off, but it may just be because we are busy and exhausted. Stress is found controlling my life and it is hard. Teachers and parents need to realize the stress that comes along with the pressure to do well, all of the hours of homework assigned every night, and with multiple tests throughout each week. Even if each teacher could reduce their amount of homework by 10 minutes each night, that would be one hour less every night and 5-6 hours less every week. That would be so incredibly helpful and a large stress reliever.

Help Needed Now

A recent Well article discusses the high percentage of obesity in the United States today. While the amount of obese are leveling off in most parts of the country, that does not mean that it isn't still an issue that needs to be addressed. Obesity is caused by many things, it causes poor quality of life and we all need to find out why this has become such an issue in this century.
Obesity isn't something that exercise and diet can always fix. More often than not, our shape and weight is hereditary. Also, obesity isn't always measured in the best way. Sometimes, a BMI will indicate that a muscular and active individual is obese because a BMI doesn't take muscle mass under consideration. However, at least 20% of every state in the US is considered obese. This has many health concerns, which is the main reason that our country's obesity problem needs to be solved.
Obesity leads to a lower quality of life in individuals. It is a serious health problem leading to heart problems and diabetes, also mobility is sometimes a struggle. That is why I believe that obesity needs to be a main concern in the US right now. We need to figure out why it has become such a problem and find a way to fix it. We need to help the people that are affected by this. I am confident that there are other things besides strict exercise and dieting that can contribute to solving this problem.
Personally, I believe that part of the obesity problem in the US is caused by the increase in desk jobs and decrease in physically demanding jobs. Many adults are now forced to sit in an office or in meeting for the majority of the day, rather than laboring all day. However this does not explain the obesity in children. That is why I believe that another thing contributing to obesity is the food in today's society. Greasy fast food has become very popular and so has processed frozen foods. I think it is time that we question what we are eating and if this could be what is causing obesity in young children and adults.
Overall, I just think that we need to do whatever we can to find a solution to obesity. It is no longer just an individual's lack of trying, but our society. It is a dangerous health risk and it is important to get it under control as soon as possible,

Winter Weather Attire

Winter weather is soon approaching if you aren't lucky enough to be living in the south during this time of year. It is hard to find the right clothing to wear to workout or go for an outdoor jog. I am no expert but I do have a preference for what to where when the weather gets cold.

When it starts getting colder, I bring out the sweatshirts. It is good to have a large range of sweatshirts that have different thicknesses so that you can be dressed appropriately for the weather on each particular day. Also, have a good set of long sleeve shirts, some days it will be too warm for a sweatshirt but too cold for a t-shirt, that is when long sleeve shirts are great. Lastly, even in the deepest and coldest part of winter, always keep an extra pair of capris in your closet, it may surprise you, but I have often experienced random days that are nice enough for capris and a long sleeve shirt. Weather is so unpredictable and you just never know what you are going to need throughout the cold season.
Another thing to note is that there are many times when it reaches below zero outside. When this happens, it is often best to find an indoor place to work out. It is not good for your body to be out in the cold for very long, if at all. It isn't healthy for your lungs or your muscles. It is also hard for your body to decide if it is hot and cold. You may feel okay when it is cold outside because you aren't sweating, or maybe you are but the cold is enough to keep you feeling okay. However, your body may be overheating without you being aware of it. This can be dangerous especially if no one is around your running path.
What you wear is pretty much a personal preference. Usually I find myself in a t-shirt, sweatshirt and tights during most of the winter, however on some colder days i may wear a long sleeve shirt instead of a t-shirt underneath a sweatshirt. It is important to not stay out too long, for it is hard to tell if you are getting over heated or too cold while working out. Important thing to remember: dress appropriately, not too heavily, and listen to your body during your workout.