Physical Education

Two years ago, I was walking down the street and caught my own reflection in a store window. I yelled, �Hey, I know those guys!�

I was what they used to call �husky� although the less tactful simply said fat. Riding a desk all day and snacking religiously on junk food, then eating sumptuous homemade meals nightly had added girth to my mid-section. Mine was not a six-pack, more like a keg.

I saw the error of my ways and got me to a gym where I have diligently firmed up and slimmed down. My weight is more than I�d like but that may now be due to bone density rather than fat cells, and I have more energy, endurance, flexibility and strength. That burst of speed needed to catch the bus is no biggie now. I still don�t have washboard abs (and never will, thank you) but between you and me, I have great legs.

I share all this to segue to a recent Canadian study that affirms what we already know: proper diet and exercise reduces the risk of heart disease in men. More than 19,000 men between the ages of 20 and 79 were studied from 1979 to 1995 with regard to their cholesterol levels. Men who were physically active had a 50 percent reduction in risk of dying from cardiovascular disease regardless of their cholesterol level.

Now knowing that exercise will make you healthier and actually going out and doing it are often two different things. Many of us can find every excuse to not do some form of physical activity. Obesity is a growing national health problem. We can blame elected officials for their lack of leadership on this issue but the real impetus for change must begin with each and every one of us.

Speaking of physical activity, the U.S. Open has gotten underway here in New York. Serena Williams defeated Yung-Jan Chan in an opening round match, 6-1, 6-3 to advance. In men�s play, 18-year-old up and comer Scoville Jenkins turned in an exciting performance to defeat George Bastl of Switzerland 7-6 (4), 6-0, 6-7 (1), 4-6, 7-6 (5). But on a down note, in Juniors play, Number 1 ranked Donald Young lost his match to Italian qualifier Giorgio Galimberti in straight sets 7-6, 6-1, 6-2.

Finally, in what came as no great surprise to serious football fans, Maurice Clarett got his walking papers from the Denver Broncos. Clarett, who would be entering his senior year at Ohio State had he not gotten a swollen head and tried to go pro early, never impressed coaches and also had a slow recovery from a groin injury. After he clears waivers he�ll be a free agent, able to sign with any other team that�s interested, if there are any other teams.

Moral of this story: Stay in school and get your degree. A pro sports career is an iffy proposition at best, but an education lasts a lifetime.