costs, which negatively impact Pennsylvania's taxpayers; and
WHEREAS, Being overweight as a child can lead to serious
health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma,
sleep problems, low self-esteem and being bullied; and
WHEREAS, Regular physical activity can produce long-term
health benefits; and
WHEREAS, One in three children in the United States are
overweight or obese before their fifth birthday; 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 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, Less than 20% of 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
developed specific programs for families to exercise and live
20170HR0282PN1526 - 2 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30