This iReport is part of an assignment:
CNN Fit Nation: 2013 Triathlon Challenge
More iReports you should see
Ready for a Reset
Dr. Gupta said tonight that Fit Nation is a reset button. One week into 50 and I can tell you I definitely need a reset. I need the fresh start for myself as I launch into the next half century of my life. I need it as well to show the people I work with and the parents of the children in my program that change is possible and important. That we serve as the role model to our children.
The only way to make change for children is to get the adults around them to embrace change. Forty percent of the children in the program I serve were overweight or obese based on last year's data. These children are all one to four years old. When I look into the future for them I know statistics don't get better. They are all from low-income, at-risk families.
I want so much to inspire the adults who care for these children. By participating in Fit Nation I want to take the parents and staff of the program along on my journey. Show them that we all can change, to lead by example. I have spent plenty of time over the years giving workshops for parents and trainings for the staff and still we have these alarming statistics. It is time for something more - something BIG.
If families and staff can see me working for change at my age then they can believe it about themselves. As much as I need to get in shape to help me live the life I would like, it is also important for the children and their families.
I have just turned 50 and am realizing that I likely have less time ahead than I have behind me. I want the time ahead to be active and full of adventure. I want to be able to explore and experience. My family health history wouldn't lead one to be extraordinarily hopeful. On my maternal side there is a strong history of cancers, you name it they've had it. My mom has had breast cancer. On my paternal side cardiovascular disease, my dad had a stroke at 40! I need to make some serious changes in order to live the life I imagine for myself. I am ready for Dr. Gupta's reset button, fully understanding it is not the "easy button" but ready to dig in and make serious changes for myself.
The only way to make change for children is to get the adults around them to embrace change. Forty percent of the children in the program I serve were overweight or obese based on last year's data. These children are all one to four years old. When I look into the future for them I know statistics don't get better. They are all from low-income, at-risk families.
I want so much to inspire the adults who care for these children. By participating in Fit Nation I want to take the parents and staff of the program along on my journey. Show them that we all can change, to lead by example. I have spent plenty of time over the years giving workshops for parents and trainings for the staff and still we have these alarming statistics. It is time for something more - something BIG.
If families and staff can see me working for change at my age then they can believe it about themselves. As much as I need to get in shape to help me live the life I would like, it is also important for the children and their families.
I have just turned 50 and am realizing that I likely have less time ahead than I have behind me. I want the time ahead to be active and full of adventure. I want to be able to explore and experience. My family health history wouldn't lead one to be extraordinarily hopeful. On my maternal side there is a strong history of cancers, you name it they've had it. My mom has had breast cancer. On my paternal side cardiovascular disease, my dad had a stroke at 40! I need to make some serious changes in order to live the life I imagine for myself. I am ready for Dr. Gupta's reset button, fully understanding it is not the "easy button" but ready to dig in and make serious changes for myself.
- TAGS:
- GROUPS:
What do you think of this story?
Select one of the options below. Your feedback will help tell CNN producers what to do with this iReport. If you'd like, you can explain your choice in the comments below.
Be and editor! Choose an option below:
More from this assignment - CNN Fit Nation: 2013 Triathlon Challenge
iReport welcomes a lively discussion, so comments on iReports are not pre-screened before they post. See the iReport community guidelines for details about content that is not welcome on iReport.
© 2013 Cable News Network. 
Comments