Pretty in Pink?

At least this first blog will be of a pinkish hue. Why? I know from experience that if people read this blog they will be mostly female. I first learned that women are more tuned into health when I was an undergraduate at the University of Oregon in the early 80's. In a typical class, let's say nutrition or epidemiology, there would be an 80 / 20 split, females to males. Some of those classmates would go on to nursing, others public health, and others (like me) non-profit health agencies and then school health.

And why are women more in-tune to health than men? Women get a "monthly reminder" of how things are going inside of them. Guys, we have no such reminders and many of us are about as obtuse as a piece of wood, going to the doctor only when necessary.

While I am not a big fan of the color pink (there are only boys at home and a wife who owns exactly ONE pink shirt), I will try this out.

So Mr. Schroeder, what is the purpose of this website? Good question reader.

There are many of my students who want (and need) to lose weight. They want weight loss for many reasons-- including to look better, feel better physically, feel better about themselves (self-esteem), avoid illness (diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc.) , though this last one is not that common when you are 15. So I am here to offer assistance in a somewhat anonymous fashion since some students may be embarrassed or shy to ask for or admit they need help losing weight.

Secondly, I am offering EXTRA CREDIT and this site will be an opportunity for those keeping an eating, exercise or weight loss (30 day) journal to stay supported and also be able to contact me while working on these lifestyle changes at home during vacation.

That's it. The first blog entry is done and I will try and keep this up with a new one about once a week, more if I am able. Thanks for reading!