CASTLE SUPPORTS LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE PHYSICAL EDUCATION STANDARDS
Washington
| April 21, 2010 -
Today, Delaware Congressman Mike Castle voted in support of H.R. 1585, the Fitness Integrating with Teaching (FIT) Kids Act, legislation aimed at improving physical education standards. The measure, cosponsored by Rep. Castle, a champion of physical fitness, child nutrition, and health-related policy, passed in the House today.
"Child obesity has become a major health problem in the United States and data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control shows that an estimated 36 percent of kids and youth in Delaware are overweight or are at risk of becoming overweight," said Rep. Castle. "To reverse this trend, we must ensure all students have access to a quality physical education and the opportunity to learn about healthy lifestyles as part of their regular curriculum. The FIT Kids Act will help improve physical education standards so that children and their families understand the importance of physical activity and healthy lifestyles.
"Additionally, with the reauthorization of child nutrition this year, I look forward to working with state and local school districts to further address the important and complex issue of childhood obesity by supporting programs, such as the FIT Kids Act, that promote nutrition education and physical activity; implementing programs proven to improve health outcomes; and targeting those children who are at the greatest risk."
The FIT Kids Act (H.R. 1585) amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to promote healthy, active lifestyles by students; allow for professional development and training of physical and health education teachers on improving student health habits; and establishes methods for states and school districts to collect and analyze physical education programs so that best practices can be disseminated.
For more information about Rep. Castle's efforts on childhood obesity, please visit www.castle.house.gov.
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