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WORD ON WASHINGTON

“A Healthy Living Challenge”
July 2012
 
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While we all know that regular physical exercise and good eating habits are essential ingredients in leading healthy lifestyles, many of us struggle with finding the time and discipline for both. With obesity rates for children and adults at alarmingly high levels and inactivity so widespread, it is clear that we must take action to turn the tide of this disturbing trend. States such as New York and Georgia are taking drastic actions to address this growing epidemic, but I am convinced that we can make positive changes in our routines and habits that will increase both the longevity and quality of our lives.

This month, we recognize two important observances – Men’s Health Month and the 40th anniversary of Title IX, which gave girls and women equal opportunity for federally-funded education program and activities, including athletics. Both of these observances remind us of the importance of regular visits to a health care professional and of the opportunity to renew our commitment to physical exercise and more healthy living – for ourselves and for our loved ones.

As Founder and Co-Chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports, I am at the forefront of helping encourage and promote youth sports so that all of our young people have access to these important opportunities. We will again commemorate National Youth Sports Week the fourth week of July to raise awareness of the important physical and social benefits of participating in youth sports and the need to promote sportsmanship among players, parents, coaches, and officials. I have also developed a four-part legislative agenda for youth sports that includes measures to improve fitness, access, nutrition and safety. Addressing the needs of today’s young people is an investment that will reap a lifetime of benefits, and the benefits of team sports are indeed compelling. School-based or community-based team sports programs teach our children leadership and good sportsmanship, improve academic achievement, and promote overall fitness and wellness.

I began working with the Government Accounting Office (GAO) over a year ago to study the state of physical education and school-based sports programs and examine the available opportunities for young students to participate. In an age of budget cuts and strained resources at all levels of government, we are trying to mitigate some of the challenges and use more creativity and ingenuity for providing better opportunities for our children. The report, released earlier this year, not only highlights some of the challenges, but also the federal efforts through the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Department of Education, the Department of Agriculture, and the White House in making a positive difference for our kids.

The report also revealed staggering health statistics. Obesity rates have tripled in the past 30 years, and there are now more than 12 million children in the U.S. who are obese. Never before has our nation seen a time in which so many children are being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even breathing and asthma problems. It is estimated that the annual direct cost of childhood obesity in the U.S. exceeds $14 billion! The serious health and economic consequences for our poor choices are undeniable, and we must do more to educate and empower people to make the best choices with regard to their health.

Recently, I talked with Shellie Pfohl, Executive Director of the President’s Council on Fitness Sports and Nutrition, about this topic, and you can watch that conversation on my website at www.mcintyre.house.gov to learn more. There are other federal, state, and local resources available for those seeking more information about healthier living, and I encourage us all to take the challenge to improve our lives through better nutrition and greater physical activity. It doesn’t matter whether you are one or 100. There is no better time to start!
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U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre
Representing the 7th District of North Carolina


 
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