Health Needs a Hero

I have a friend named Jen Ohlson. Last week I went to a screening of her documentrary "Health Needs a Hero."  I'm glad I went.

Obesity is a problem that is rampant in the United States. It is obvious to anyone with their eyes open, but for some it isn't noticed. It has become part of a sedentary, fast food culture. In some families and neighborhoods it has become the norm.

That makes this documentary about Ashley Castoreno so remarkable. For a girl struggling in so many ways with her family, her school and her health, she is heroic in the way she escapes an unhealthy environment and becomes a newer, healthier person.

Actor Edward James Olmos narates the film, which features interviews of many experts in education, health and politics in explaining the threat of obesity to our world. It even explains the connection of obesity to our military readiness.

I don't think it is possible to watch this film without being moved and inspired. Ashley is a true hero for proving that we can escape obesity, and Jen is a hero for telling the world.

The "Health Needs a Hero" website is healthneedsahero.com