Dear United States of America:
Congratulations on your upcoming 233rd birthday! Unfortunately, the celebration must be short-lived, because I’m here to warn you about a threat to our nation that is greater than any we have faced in the past. Yesterday, it was reported that this enemy has infiltrated and infected over 1/3rd of our population and it’s numbers continue to grow every day. I am not talking about a supernatural biological weapon. I am talking about a disease that is 100% preventable: obesity.
Right now, our economy is in the gutter, 10% of our workforce is unemployed, 200 million of us are overweight, and in some states almost half of our children are considered obese. I love this country with all of my heart, but we have GOT to turn things around. We may be down but we’re not out, damnit. Today is a new day, and we can start making that change right now.
We are better than this! I know it, you know it, even Captain America knows it. If you’re overweight right now, it probably seems like a lost cause to you. This attitude will get you nowhere, which I’m sure you’ve heard millions of times before. What makes this time different? I’m going to help you. All I ask is that you take responsibility for yourself, take control of your life, and stay on target.
It’s never too late to change. It will require hard work, sacrifice, determination, and sheer will-power. If you are really interested in turning your life around, email me at [email protected] and I’ll gladly get you started down the right path if you’re willing to work for it. I want to help.
If you’re already in shape, please me help out and lead by example. Continue to eat right and exercise, and work on getting others to join you. If you have loved ones in your family who are overweight, tell them that you’re worried. Help them help themselves. Show them how to eat healthy. Take them with you to the gym. Ask them every single day how they’re doing. Just let them know you care!
I love this country, and I want to us to be the standard upon which all others are judged. If we want to be considered a shining beacon of freedom to the rest of the world, why not be a shining beacon of long life, prosperity, and healthy living too?
On Christmas Day 1776, George Washington and his troops gathered on the shores of the frozen Delaware River and exchanged this password: “victory or death.” 233 years later, the same belief holds true: victory over obesity or death. This 4th of July, celebrate your independence from an unhealthy lifestyle. Start to make changes that will increase your quality of life. Ask your friends for help, and help those in need. This is a battle we can win if we work together.
Are you in?
-Steve
