Haynes 1

Dillon Haynes
English 112-78
Professor Douglas
September 8, 2016

Health and Fitness in America

Health and fitness has been on a rapid decline for the past 10 years, the United States has
become the most obese country in world, and it seems nothing is being done. with the rise of the
technological age obesity has spread to more than just adults, children are becoming less active,
and more focused on sitting on the couch and playing video games. Something must be done.
During this research there are two articles being evaluated, each article conveyed its message
very clearly, and that is Americas growing problem with inactivity in their everyday lives.
The first article importance of health related fitness knowledge to increasing physical
activity and fitness (HRFK) written by Rick Ferkal shows the reader three important findings
while demonstrating their research. (1) HRFK is low among elementary-aged students through
college-aged students; (2) HRFK has successfully predicted PA and PF levels, though research is
limited; and (3) educational interventions such as conceptual physical education (CPE) center on
fitness knowledge, and their application has indicated a longitudinal increase in PA and PF
levels. (Ferkal) these three problems are issues that can, and should be addressed. Programs

Haynes 2

that are designed to get kids active in school or on the playground should be a top priority in
schools all over the United States.
Ferkal conveyed his message by using statistical facts showing the reader the decline of
health and fitness in kids and teens ages six to nineteen, nearly reaching 15% higher than it was
four years ago. That number will continue to rise as the years progress if no immediate action is
taken. Ferkal ensured that each fact complimented the message being conveyed, that being said
it allows the reader to gain a better understanding of the authors intent. One weakness of the
article was the lack of visual aids, such as charts, and graphs, this would allow the reader to
visually see the decline of fitness in America.
The articles biggest strength is that the author particularly targeted children and teens.
For example; The obesity rate in the United States has increased to near epidemic proportions
(15% to 30% in adults, 5% to 18% in adolescents aged 12 to 19 years, 6% to 19% in children
aged 6 to 11 years. (Ferkal) Ferkal realizes by targeting todays youth it will make the parents
who read the article more cognizant in their child's physical activity in everyday life.
During the article Ferkal takes the reader through a series of research which supports his
cause which he backs with facts gathered during his study. Ferkal could've of used opposition to
gain a different perspective of the other side, which wouldve allowed the audience to compare
and contrast each side and figure out which one as a reader they agree with. Article two, written
by Latetia Moore No Leisure Time Activity on the other hand discusses trends in physical
activity through the time frame of 1988-2010. Moore explains in detail the steady decline of
fitness over the years.

Haynes 3

One of the problems with article two is the fact that it lacks creativity. The article is fact
based with little to no attachment to audience. When reading an article that lacks creativity it can
sometimes makes it difficult for the reader to connect with the article. Article two is not
completely detached from the audience, Moore uses logos to appeal to logical readers. By using
logical examples such as; 35 states and the District of Columbia reported a decline on no leisure
physical activity from 1996-2010.(Moore) gives the reader an excellent timeline to see the
rapid decline of physical activity at the state level.
Article two is laid out quite well, its organized and to the point allowing the reader to
retain information in the proper order. From the method used to gather research, to the
conclusion of the article, this strengthens the context a great deal, while using facts to back up
Moores thesis. This is one of the articles greatest strengths, after all the research is explained to
the reader Moore begins to write in somewhat of a discussion based form, showing the audience
the facts of the article while at the same time conveying the topic on a more personal level.
Moore showed purpose in the beginning of her article with a strong thesis, and then tied
the thesis back in during the closing conclusion. While no LTPA has slightly improved over the
past two decades, additional efforts are needed to encourage the approximately 1 in 4 Americans
who do not report engaging in any LTPA who have a higher risk of dealing with obesity.
(Moore) The lack of fitness is not only a the problem when it comes to obesity, a study done by
the US Health and Human services show physically inactive versus active adults are at greater
risk for developing a number of chronic diseases, including coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2
diabetes, colon and breast cancers, depression, and premature death. (Moore) this study shows
that the problem is much bigger than adults and children being inactive or lazy, its beginning to
affect the countries health as a whole.

Haynes 4

After analyzing both articles the importance of health related fitness knowledge to
increasing physical activity and fitness was the most effective by catching the readers attention
in the thesis, allowing the author to build off of that through the entirety of the article. Using a
logos approach to appeal to the readers logical side it allowed the audience to really think about
the ever growing problem of inactivity in the United States. That being said both articles main
purpose is to raise awareness of the inactive lifestyle in America and the ever expanding problem
of obesity, as of 2015 the United States lead the world in obesity and it starts with the inactivity
at the youth level, when inactivity effects the well-being of your health or your childs health
something must be done.

Haynes 5

Works Cited
Ferkel, Rick C., et al. "Importance of Health-Related Fitness Knowledge to Increasing Physical
Activity and Physical Fitness." Physical Educator 71.2 (2014): 218-33. ProQuest. Web. 8
Sep. 2016. (Ferkel)
Moore, Latetia V., et al. "Trends in no Leisure-Time Physical Activity-United States, 19882010." Research quarterly for exercise and sport 83.4 (2012): 587-91. ProQuest. Web. 8
Sep. 2016. (Moore)