Summer Olympics

Every four years people around the globe watch as the best athletes in the world compete in the Olympics. Tomorrow the 2012 games in London commence.

It's ironic that the Olympics fall on U.S. presidential election years. Candidates for the nation's highest elected office -- and in many other races -- are battling it out, contrasting their vision for the country in the coming years. But for at least a few weeks this summer there will be unity among most Americans as we watch the top athletes in the world compete.

We certainly wish the athletes well in their individual and team competitions. The United States has some impressive competitors, and hopefully this will translate into many gold medals and the playing of our national anthem in multiple categories.

There's another aspect to the Olympic Games. Though most of us will not reach the level of athleticism that these Olympians have, we can all make an effort to be more active. Exercise is important to overall health and weight management.

This summer a number of organizations have joined the Shape Up Cape challenge through the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce. The results have appeared on the Tuesday Health page of this paper.

Regardless of your involvement in the challenge, we hope you will not only watch the Olympics this year but also embrace a lifestyle that includes healthy habits such as exercise.

Let the games begin!