PRINTER'S NO. 3360
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
842
Session of
2018
INTRODUCED BY SANTORA, READSHAW, CHARLTON, DiGIROLAMO, NEILSON,
MURT, HENNESSEY, RYAN, SCHLOSSBERG, BERNSTINE, TOOHIL,
LONGIETTI, BOBACK, DAVIS, SCHLEGEL CULVER, R. BROWN, MILLARD,
KINSEY, BURNS, YOUNGBLOOD, SAYLOR, WATSON, SOLOMON, SCHWEYER
AND WARD, APRIL 18, 2018
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
APRIL 18, 2018
A RESOLUTION
Designating the week of April 23 through 27, 2018, as "Every Kid
Healthy Week" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania's future relies on its youths; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 2.7 million residents of this
Commonwealth, or more than 21% of Pennsylvania's total
population, are under 18 years of age; and
WHEREAS, Nearly 40% of Pennsylvania's children are considered
either overweight or obese; and
WHEREAS, The prevalence of Pennsylvania children considered
overweight or obese has decreased since 2008 because of healthy
initiatives; 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 related health concerns in turn lead to
higher health care costs which negatively impact Pennsylvania's
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taxpayers; and
WHEREAS, Being overweight as a child can lead to serious
health problems, including 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, One in six children in the United States are
overweight or obese; 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
60 minutes or more 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
cardiorespiratory 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, Reversing the child and adolescent obesity epidemic
requires community involvement at all levels; and
WHEREAS, Fewer than one in three Pennsylvania youths meet
recommended levels of aerobic and muscle strengthening physical
activity; 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
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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, Healthy behaviors promote a healthy population in
general, reduced health care costs and a healthier, more
productive workforce; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the
week of April 23 through 27, 2018, as "Every Kid Healthy Week"
in Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That in order to improve the quality of life for
many Pennsylvanians and prevent an increased burden on its
taxpayers, the Commonwealth needs to develop a coordinated
approach to the problem of childhood obesity; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the General Assembly support legislative and
regulatory initiatives that support the coordination of
activities to support physical activity and encourage all
Pennsylvanians to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
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