PRINTER'S NO. 1704
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
345
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY SABATINA, DINNIMAN, HAYWOOD, GREENLEAF, TEPLITZ,
BREWSTER, RAFFERTY, BROWNE, BARTOLOTTA, FARNESE, FONTANA,
COSTA, SCHWANK, VULAKOVICH, YUDICHAK AND LEACH,
APRIL 13, 2016
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, APRIL 13, 2016
A RESOLUTION
Designating the week of April 25 through 29, 2016, as "Every Kid
Healthy Week" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania's future relies upon the success of its
youth; and
WHEREAS, More than 21% of this Commonwealth's total
population, approximately 2.7 million residents, are under 18
years of age; and
WHEREAS, Nearly 30% of Pennsylvania's children are considered
overweight or obese; and
WHEREAS, The prevalence of the designation of overweight or
obese in Pennsylvania children has increased since 2003; and
WHEREAS, Being overweight as a child increases the risk of
being obese as a young adult; and
WHEREAS, Childhood obesity is a major health epidemic facing
this Commonwealth, and these health concerns lead to higher
health care costs, which negatively impacts Pennsylvania
taxpayers; and
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WHEREAS, Additionally, childhood obesity can lead to serious
health problems such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, asthma,
sleep problems and low self-esteem; and
WHEREAS, Regular physical activity can produce long-term
health benefits; and
WHEREAS, The number of health club members who are under 18
years of age has increased 33% in Pennsylvania and 60%
nationally; and
WHEREAS, According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for
Americans report issued by the United States Department of
Health and Human Services, children and adolescents benefit from
at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily through a
combination of aerobic, muscle strengthening and bone
strengthening activities; and
WHEREAS, Health benefits for children and adolescents
associated with regular physical activity include improved
respiratory and muscular fitness, improved bone health,
favorable body composition, reduced symptoms of depression and
improved academic performance; and
WHEREAS, Obesity and physical inactivity are not just limited
to an individual, but are directly linked to increasing public
and private health care costs; and
WHEREAS, Nationally, 75% of health care expenditures go
toward the diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases, many of
which have been linked to obesity and physical inactivity; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania has some of the highest health care
costs, ranking 11 out of 51 in health care spending per capita;
and
WHEREAS, Less than 20% of Pennsylvania youth meet recommended
levels of aerobic and muscle strengthening physical activity;
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and
WHEREAS, In response to the health challenges facing
Pennsylvania's adolescents, many health clubs in Pennsylvania
have created programs targeting children and adolescents and
have also developed specific programs for families to exercise
and live healthier lives together; and
WHEREAS, Parents are a positive influence in helping their
children eat healthier food and become more physically active;
and
WHEREAS, Promoting healthy behavior promotes a healthy
population in general, reduces health care costs and provides a
healthier and more productive work force; and
WHEREAS, In order to improve the quality of life for many
Pennsylvanians and to prevent an increased burden on its
taxpayers, the Commonwealth needs to develop a coordinated
approach to addressing the problem of childhood obesity; and
WHEREAS, The General Assembly supports legislative and
regulatory initiatives that encourage the coordination of
activities to support physical activity and a healthy lifestyle
for Pennsylvania families; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate designate the week of April 25
through 29, 2016, as "Every Kid Healthy Week" in Pennsylvania.
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