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PRINTER'S NO. 588
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
72
Session of
2019
INTRODUCED BY TOMLINSON AND SANTARSIERO, APRIL 9, 2019
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, APRIL 9, 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, More than 21% of Pennsylvania's total population, or
2.6 million individuals, 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 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 in this
Commonwealth, and these health concerns, in turn, lead to higher
health care costs that 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,
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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
WHEREAS, Promoting healthy behavior promotes a healthy
population in general, reduces healthcare costs and provides a
healthier and more productive workforce; therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That the Senate 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 Senate support legislative and regulatory
initiatives that promote physical activity and encourage all
Pennsylvanians to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
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