I saw a news program not too long ago about a teacher who had started an informal exercise program before normal classes started. She made it loose and fun and a chance for the kids to walk and talk and walk and walk, and talk and walk.

This was done at 7 in the morning and with each passing week more kids showed up. Kids were having fun and getting fit. Why was it working? Kids were having fun. Even though it was early, it wasn’t required and they didn’t have to follow a curriculum and they didn’t have to be quiet while someone told them what to do. Instructions for the day. Walk, talk and have fun!!!

These children were offered a chance to experience a healthy lifestyle choice on their own terms and they loved it. I suspect many of them became more fit and probably did better in school since it’s a fact that your ability to pay attention post exercise is much higher than without exercise.

Peer pressure. There’s plenty of peer pressure when it comes to weight. Unfortunately, research shows that teens who are concerned enough about their weight to diet, are also twice as likely to start smoking as a way to curb their appetite. Talk about a double edged sword. Fend off one health problem by taking up a habit that causes just as many.

Peer pressure. I applaud this teacher for going the extra mile for kids and showing them how to establish a healthy life habit. The school should have paid her an additional salary, or maybe not. If the schools started paying for informal efforts like this, then they would want to control it, and then it wouldn’t be fun…..

Bottom line. Lifestyle choices impact life insurance rates every time an application is processed. Whether it is smoking or obesity, drinking too much or doing drugs, life insurance underwriters reward the right choices.