Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. In fact, 1 out of every 6 kids, ages six to 19, are considered obese. As these obese children grow older, they have a much greater risk than their normal weight peers of developing and dying from chronic diseases, like heart disease and stroke, in adulthood- which poses a serious risk to our nation’s health and economy.
One important way to curb this rise in obesity in our kids is through strong physical education programs and regular physical activity throughout the day in our nation’s schools. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that children engage in sixty minutes or more of physical activity each day, so kids need to get some of that activity at school. Fit and active kids are not only healthier, but research also indicates that their school performance is improved.
That's why the American Heart Association supports the Fitness Integrated with Teaching (FIT) Kids Act (H.R.1057/S.576). This federal legislation has been re-introduced in the 112th Congress by Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Jim Gerlach (R-PA) in the House of Representatives, and by Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) in the Senate. The bill would establish a framework for schools to closely look at the quality and quantity of PE they are providing, and to supply parents with that information to better understand the PE their kids are receiving.
But to get this critical piece of legislation passed we must reach out to our legislators and impress upon them the importance of making our kids health a priority... and that is where people like you come in. If you haven't already, please contact Congress today!
Additional FIT Kids Act Resources:
-FIT Kids Act fact sheet
-Physical Education in Public Schools fact sheet
-Co-sponsors of the FIT Kids Act in the 112th Congress (coming soon!)
For more information about the AHA's other obesity prevention efforts, click here.