By Dave Dahl
SPRINGFIELD – What does the Early Learning Center in Springfield have to do with our fighting forces? Speaking at that facility Tuesday, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Jay Sheedy has the answer.
“High quality early childhood programs can lay the foundation for children to live active and healthy lives,” Sheedy said. “Obesity that begins in childhood can affect their health for a lifetime.”
Illinois’ top military man, Adj. Gen. Richard Neely, adds:
“I think what we are seeing is that if you start some good habits early,” he said, “such as exercise, being outside, being active, eating healthy, and looking for those good, nutritional snacks, you have the opportunity to affect someone for their entire life.”
The latest Mission: Readiness report, “Unhealthy and Unprepared in Illinois,” states that the obesity epidemic made many young adults ineligible for service.
www.missionreadiness.org
Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]
