Do Violent Video Games Contribute To Youth Violence ?

     Studies show that a huge percent of school bullying, shooting, and violence are due to violent video games played by the youth.  It also shows that children who play violent video games are more prone to acting aggressively toward others.  Grand Theft Childhood reported that 60% of pre-teens who played at a minimum of one violent game has had a physical altercation with someone, compared to 39% who have not played the game.  In 2008, nearly 300 million video games were sold in the United States; 6 out of 10 of the bestselling video games included violence.

     Violent video games teach the youth that violence is an acceptable resolution to altercations; it also makes them less likely to be afraid of being a victim in most situations.  Most video games reward players for acts of violence, which also enhances the learning of violent behaviors.  It can also cause players to associate happiness with afflicting pain upon others.

Is Obesity A Disease ?

     While the debate on whether obesity is a disease is growing rapidly throughout the country, the obesity rate and costs for cures are also increasing.  Proponents have stressed that obesity is the results of genetics, but on the contrary, opponents argued that it is caused by one's personal preferences and ways of living.  Though many do not realize it, the difference between being obese and being overweight typically has to do with one's Body Mass Index (BMI). Researchers at Harvard University have came to a conclusion that nearly 35% of the United States population is obese.

 

     Obesity is not a disease for many reasons.  Unlike other diseases it does not lead to a shorter life expectancy or cause death.  Statistics show that only 1 out of 10 deaths are caused by obesity yearly.  Obesity also does not have symptoms and signs in contrast diseases do.  The only sign one who is obese will get is excess fat.  However, being obese brings about many health issues, such as strokes, heart attacks, and kidney failures and if they are not treated correctly it can eventually lead to death. 

      I personally think that obesity is simply the result of one's chosen lifestyle and eating habits.  I feel it is one's own responsibity on how to better theirselves and their life, whether its by eating a better nutritional diet and/or exercising.  There are many ways to loose wieght and get in better shape.