Do you get the recommended amount of physical activity each day? How about the kids in your life?
If you said no, you are not alone. Unfortunately, more than 25% of adults do not devote any time to getting their body moving during the day and 62% of kids do not get the daily vigorous activity they need. This means we need to be doing more- as individuals, as communities, and as a nation- to prioritize physical activity where people live, work, learn, and play.
Right now, there is an exciting opportunity to take some big steps forward toward that goal, as Congress considers two pieces of legislation that aim to help increase physical activity among kids, teens, and adults. Will you help us build support for these important bills?
First, the Fitness Integrated with Teaching (FIT) Kids Act, sponsored by Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Representative Ron Kind (D-WI), and Representative Aaron Schock (R-IL), would help prioritize physical education (PE) in our nation’s schools, giving kids the head start they need toward a healthy life. With nearly one in three children overweight or obese and only 3.8% of elementary schools, 7.9% of middle schools, and 2.1% of high schools providing daily PE, the FIT Kids Act is needed now more than ever to improve the quality and quantity of PE kids receive during the school day.
Additionally, the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Act would help guide our national, community, and individual efforts to increase physical activity, by directing the Department of Health and Human Services to issue recommendations to the public every 10 years based on the latest science. The bipartisan bill was introduced by Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Aaron Schock (R-IL).
How many legislators do you think we can get to sign on to these two important bills within the next month? Exercise your voice today to ask your Representative and Senators to become co-sponsors of the FIT Kids Act and the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Act.
PS- Don’t forget to share the call to action on Facebook and Twitter to encourage friends and family to act too!
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