Financial Literacy

Financial Literacy:

 A skill that should be developed in primary school

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    As a public school student who grew up in a small New Jersey town, economics did not form a part of my studies until high school. It was a graduation requirement for us to take a half-year course called "Personal Finance". Although this class covered the basics of financial literacy such as taxes, credit, basic calculations, mortgages, debt...etc, I felt as if my studies were left incomplete. Five months is not enough to gain full knowledge and understanding over such heavy topics like finance, and studying profusely to pass a class in a short time period is not the ideal way to grasp the lessons at hand. In other words, I've learned first hand that financial literacy is not achieved through memorization and being "book smart" cannot entirely help you.  

    Financial studies in the United States are majorly commencing far too late into a teen's life, and when it is finally introduced, it's briefly. As a consequence, 2/3rds of Americans failed their financial literacy examinations, displaying just how inefficient the school system is when it comes to establishing financial education, according to the article "Money Matters" by Nicole Kruse 💸💰. Kruse also discusses how this falls in the hands of the lack of curriculum flexibility and teacher preparedness. If the teachers are not confident enough in educating their students, having received minimal financial education themselves, how will children ever become financially literate? This can be achieved through yearly financial training programs for educators, an approach that has already been introduced in some schools such as the Aspen Entrepreneurial Institution.

     Introducing financial courses at a young age can come with extensive benefits. It is widely known that children have unique cognitive capacities 🧠💡. Their developing minds are vastly imaginative and take in their surroundings with ease. Moreover, children can learn languages at a quicker pace than adults. The same will apply to financial education if introduced as early as kindergarten. Having already been exposed to innovative thinking, money issues, and the world of business in the school system, as adults these students will not fear money. Filing for taxes, a task that is commonly dreaded, will become as easy to do as second hand nature (tying your shoes for example). 

    If financial education is stretched out through K-12, students will develop a deeper understanding for monetary issues. Stress will also be avoided, as students are not forced to know certain topics instantly in a single half year course. The world will be filled with fresh and competitive ideas that can boost our economy. Citizens will know financial responsibility, how to avoid debt, money management, and therefore overall economic success will blossom.

 Until the next, 

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Happy Brain, Dying Body: Fast Food and Obesity

Happy Brain🧠, Dying Body😞: Fast Food and Obesity

A Blog on Nutrition

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Not for cookie? 🤔

    I'm sure we've all woken up frequently with an insatiable appetite, and not for vegetables or heart healthy foods. The only thing that could really hit the spot is fast food. And even then, after going off to a Wendy's drive-thru and enjoying your meal, your appetite was not satiated. This effect isn't necessarily because you are hungry. Eating fast food releases chemicals like dopamine and serotonin in the brain that make you feel good, a pleasure that is hard to match in your daily life. It is for this very reason that you tend to want more and more after deciding to eat out or indulging in some greasy snacks. Giving in to these cravings can lead to obesity, a very common eating disorder in the United States that cause often fatal health issues such as diabetes and coronary heart disease. The weight in Obese adults and children can even come to put pressure on the major joints, causing osteoarthritis where cartilage and bone breaks down. 

    Its addictive properties, comparable to nicotine in smoking, are not the only thing that makes fast food, rich in carbohydrates, salt, and fat, so appealing. Fast food is distinctly accessible. Consumers get to skip cooking, washing the dishes, and cleaning the kitchen, when going out to eat. All they have to do is get in their car or walk towards the nearest restaurant. While arguably perfect for lazy days, when made a habit, it can become dangerous. One shouldn't be fooled by the misleading "healthy" options in chain fast food menu's, according to David Zinczenko in the article "Don't Blame the Eater". They list the calories of a salad, for example, without the added extras that it includes, such as dressing and nuts, that significantly increases the total calorie intake by more than triple the amount. Companies do this as a marketing tactic to trick the consumer into believing there are less calories in a serving. Mislabeling or the lack thereof can also pose as an issue, where consumers do not know what they are putting into their bodies, consequently neglecting the dietary repercussions. 

    Another misconception of eating fast food that commonly leads to obesity in the states is that it is cheaper than buying food at a supermarket and cooking at home. A can of beans costs a dollar at your local supermarket. Mix that with some rice and you've got yourself a quick and affordable meal, not to mention healthy.

Let's examine this visual for a moment taken from Grist.org :

Yes. You read right. Not only can you cut the amount of carbs, unhealthy fats, and calories consumed & increase the nutrients ingested, but you can also save a significant money along the way. Who wouldn't want that? 

    As simple as it may seem, there is always a choice; a way to avoid leading an unhealthy life style. Although not easy, effort, consistency, and self-control paves the path to obtaining a strong body and long lifespan. 

Until the next,
Adriana