Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Senator Harkin Joins Star Athletes in Pushing Physical Activity Guidelines to Address Rising Rates of Obesity, Skyrocketing Health Care Costs
Basketball Legend Clyde Drexler, Olympic Gold Medalist Dominique Dawes, and Undefeated Boxer Andre Berto Voice Support for Harkin Measure That Will Encourage Americans to Get Moving
Responding to numerous recent reports that Americans are growing unhealthier and less active, U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) introduced legislation today that will set national exercise guidelines for Americans of all ages and ability levels.
Harkin’s legislation, The Physical Activities Guidelines for Americans Act, would direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to prepare and promote physical activity guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence, similar to the federal nutritional guidelines, commonly known as the Food Pyramid, which are updated every five years.
Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), co-sponsored the legislation, and Congressmen Mark Udall (D-CO) and Zach Wamp (R-TN) have introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives.
"Many Americans are unaware of just how much exercise they should be getting," said Senator Harkin. "These guidelines will promote a healthier lifestyle and improve fitness among all age groups. This is a step towards combating the obesity epidemic and the onslaught of chronic disease that is causing our health care costs to skyrocket."
An overwhelming amount of research clearly demonstrates the importance of physical activity in preventing disease and lowering death rates. In fact, approximately 250,000 premature deaths each year can be attributed to lifestyles that lack physical activity. More than half of Americans do not get enough daily exercise to maintain proper health.
The Physical Activities Guidelines for Americans Act will call for guidelines for children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities, to ensure Americans understand how much exercise they should be getting. The legislation has been endorsed by more than 35 organizations, including the American Dietetic Association and the American Heart Association.
Senator Harkin is the Senate leader in federal efforts to combat the obesity epidemic by promoting wellness and healthy habits among adults and children. Most recently, he has been working with Senator Brownback and others on the FCC Task Force on Media and Childhood Obesity, an innovative public-private partnership aimed at combating the clear and present health dangers stemming from poor nutrition and childhood obesity.
