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PRINTER'S NO. 1381
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
223
Session of
2019
INTRODUCED BY FARRY, WARREN, SONNEY, BURNS, BIZZARRO, FRANKEL,
DONATUCCI, HILL-EVANS, BROWN, KORTZ, McNEILL, MERSKI,
PICKETT, MURT, READSHAW, DiGIROLAMO, CALTAGIRONE, STAATS,
SCHLEGEL CULVER, LONGIETTI, MILLARD, KINSEY AND DALEY,
APRIL 11, 2019
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
APRIL 11, 2019
A RESOLUTION
Designating the week of April 22 through 26, 2019, as "Every Kid
Healthy Week" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania's future relies upon its youth; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 2.7 million individuals, or more than
21% of Pennsylvania's total population, are under 18 years of
age; and
WHEREAS, Nearly 40% of this Commonwealth'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 health
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 in this
Commonwealth, and these health concerns, in turn, lead to higher
health care costs that negatively impact Pennsylvania's
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taxpayers; and
WHEREAS, Being overweight as a child 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, 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, Reversing the child and adolescent obesity epidemic
requires community involvement at all levels; and
WHEREAS, Less than one in three Pennsylvania youth 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 this
Commonwealth 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 foods and become more physically active;
and
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WHEREAS, Promoting healthy behavior promotes a healthy
population in general, reduces health care costs and provides a
healthier and more productive workforce; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the
week of April 22 through 26, 2019, 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 to prevent an increased burden on its
taxpayers, the Commonwealth needs to develop a coordinated
approach to addressing the problem of childhood obesity; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives support
legislative and regulatory initiatives that promote physical
activity and encourage all Pennsylvanians to adopt a healthy
lifestyle.
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