Some sobering news comes from Chicago today. A national study conducted by  Dr. Jonathan Mansbach from Harvard Medical School reports that one in five children are deficient in vitamin D.

While the study doesn’t make absolute conclusions, the findings suggest a disturbing threat to me. One way the human body gets vitamin D is through the sun exposure. What that says to me is that some children are not going outside. They are staying indoors, missing out on the benefits of sunlight exposure.

Obesity in children has been a growing concern. Kids are just not active enough. Television and video games are keeping kids from exercising. At the risk of dating myself, I remember being outside continually, playing the usual kid games of kick-the-can and tag. Do kids still play these games?

What is even more disconcerting about these findings is found in the nature of vitamin D. This particular nutrient is fat-soluble, so it is stored in human tissue. A deficiency suggests that this isn’t a random occurrence. These children are at risk because of conditions over time. Over time, kids are not getting outside. This is setting the stage for lifelong habits.

Findings such as these are calls to action. Our children need a good diet. Our children need to get outside and skip the video games. Hopefully, these findings will motivate parents to get their children moving.