Every day I walk through campus and see people who obviously do not make good decisions regarding their health. We have a serious problem with obesity and smoking here. There are many ways in which we can prevent this, but EC does not seem to be taking the necessary precautions in order to do so.

Recently, one of our campus food services, Munchy, got a B rating. If EC cannot provide good service within our school, how should we expect them to provide healthy options?

No excuse- there should be less junk being served and more healthy snacks to prevent obesity.

EC does, on the other hand, offer a lot of physical education courses, so who really is to blame, the institution or the students? I believe it to be a little of both.

While EC has yet to provide a surplus of healthy food on campus, overweight students seem to lack the motivation to get themselves into shape, or at least into healthier shape.

The food services off campus seem to only be adding to the problem. The only remotely healthy food place we have near EC is Subway, and really that’s only healthy if you order the right thing. We’d be much better off without the McDonald’s or Del Taco near campus.

We eat what is accessible, and unfortunately there does not seem to be too much of an opportunity to eat healthily while on campus.

Besides obesity on campus, there seems to be another major health issue: smoking.

Our school should establish various areas on campus where smoking is allowed and not allowed, and those who choose not to follow the rules should be cited.

This may seem harsh, but I’m sure it would be greatly appreciated by the great number of people who do not smoke and who do not want smoke blown in their faces every time they walk to class.

Doing this may not prevent smokers on campus, but it would benefit those who choose not to smoke.

Nonsmokers should not have to suffer the effects of second-hand smoke.

While some may believe that smoking should be banned altogether, I find that to be a bit unfair, for it is one’s choice and freedom as a citizen of the United States to smoke.

As a student, it is sad to see my fellow classmates struggle with their health. I would rather not be subjected to second hand smoke and would definitely like to see the obesity rate lower at our school.

Unfortunately, I do not see this happening until other colleges and universities decide to make changes in their food options and their smoking policies. EC needs to lead the way, and it needs lead the way now so that our classmates have a chance at a long and prosperous life ahead of them.