Childhood obesity in our country has now reached epidemic proportions. In fact, by 2010, 20% of U.S. children are expected to be obese, putting them at greater risk of developing and dying from heart disease as adults. For the sake of our children's health it is imperative that we, as a nation, take steps now to reverse this trend before it is too late.
That's why the American Heart Association supports the Fitness Integrated with Teaching Kids Act (FIT Kids Act). This legislation has been introduced, by Representative Ron Kind (D-WI) and Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), to help address this urgent need and ensure a healthier generation of children and adolescents.
While many factors have contributed to this alarming rise in overweight children, one of the main culprits is a decrease in the physical activity levels of today's youth. The FIT Kids Act addresses this specifically, seeking to amend the No Child Left Behind Act to ensure the quantity and quality of physical education in our schools is recognized.
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 Resources:
For more information on The FIT Kids Act, click here.
For more on childhood obesity, click here.