Technological and Social Fixes

OMG, SHOES!!!!

(Technological Fix)

With two functioning legs walking is a relatively easy concept. With the invention of shoes, the feet have a protective layer to keep harmful and painful elements away. Walking becomes increasingly easier with the right pair of shoes. Those with walking problems usually get special shoes or orthotic-inserts to correct the problem and make walking easier and more convenient.

Shoes is just the beginning step...so to speak. With the invention of suburban neighborhoods, the idea of shopping districts, entertainment districts, and various other destinations people choose to travel to, have become farther and farther away from home. With miles separating us all from our living room couches to the places we could better be spending our time, less people decide to leave their homes and walk around. If they do decide to leave, they choose driving or other man-made types of transportation over our own two feet (i.e. motorcycles, motorized scooters, trains, planes, etc.).

However, on a nice day, many decide that walking isn't necessarily a terrible option. With the invention of sidewalks and cross-walks, pedestrians can feel safe and out of harms way from automobiles on the roads. With pedestrian-friendly and pedestrian-only areas in large shopping areas and tourist spots, people are not only encouraged to walk, since it is their only option, but enjoy it as well.

For those with missing limbs from the waist down, walking almost isn't an option. However, with prosthetic legs and feet, people can quickly re-learn how to walk and gain their mobility and independence back.

With an increase in walking, metabolism speeds up and people find themselves with more energy and less calories turning into fat. With obesity becoming a large problem in America, people can no longer afford to be lazy and require a great amount of exercise. For those who do not enjoy strenuous exercise, walking is a simple solution that not only helps you get from place-to-place but also keeps your body in constant motion to keep it active and healthy.

VERB!! IT'S WHAT YA' DO!!

(Sociological Fix)

With kids sitting home watching more television and playing an increased number of video games, the media hoped to partner up with health specialists and worried parents. A television news campaign entitled "VERB! IT'S WHAT YOU DO!" encouraged kids to go outside and play real games and spark their imaginations and athletic abilities. Real-life kids would be seen on these ads playing soccer, skateboarding, running, jumping, playing, etc to show kids what is available outside the comfort of their living rooms and bedrooms. The TV campaign not only taught kids to get up and get out, but also gave them an English lesson too!