P.E. Should not be a required class in public schools

Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. About one out of six children and adolescents ages six to 19 are obese.1 As these children grow older, they have a much greater for daily, quality physical education in our nation"s schools to give children a healthy head start on life. A GROWING SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE: SERIOUS HEALTH CONSEQUENCES " Unfortunately, even obese pre-schoolers, are risk than their healthy weight peers of developing and 2 dyingfromchronicdiseasesinadulthood. Some showing some of the biomarkers related to 13 experts claim that by 2015, 75% of adults will be 3,4 cardiovascular risk. " A recent study showed that the plaque buildup in overweight with 41% obese. One important way to stop this rise in obesity and chronic disease in our children is by establishing lifelong physical activity habits with strong physical education programs and regular physical activity opportunities throughout the day in our nation"s schools. Children must be physically active at school and learn about keeping healthy through exercise and a balanced diet. Regular physical activity is associated with a healthier, longer life and lower risk of CVD, the neck arteries of obese children is similar to 14 those levels seen in middle-aged adults. " Along with rising obesity rates, the rate of prescription drug use by children for diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol is 15 increasing. " Other research suggests that regular participation in physical education classes helps reduce obesity in low-income teenagers who are disproportionally affected by the childhood 16 obesity epidemic. " A recent nationwide survey of school principals showed that kids are more likely to get the recommended amount of recess and physical education if they live in states or districts with policies that call for more of those types of activity.14 " Sedentary lifestyles are linked to 23% of all U.S. high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and some 5 cancers. If the lessons of lifetime physical activity and healthy food and beverage choices are modeled at both school and home, children will have the optimal foundation for healthy living. 6 Research shows that healthy children learn more effectively 7 andachievemoreacademically. Unfortunately, many schools are cutting back on traditional physical education programs because of budgetary concerns and competing academic demands.8 Beyond the impact on chronic disease, physical inactivity and obesity place a significant burden on our society. Nearly 17% of U.S. medical costs are attributed to the treatment of obesity9 and estimates for treatment of childhood obesity are approximately $14.3 billion.10 Obesity and lack of physical fitness in America"s youth also affect our national security. Senior former military leaders report that 27% of young Americans are too overweight to serve in the military.11 Around 15,000 potential recruits fail their physicals every year because they are too heavy.12 The American Heart Association strongly advocates 17 " Children"s physical activity level drops 18 ACTIVE CHILDREN THRIVE ACADEMICALLY AND SOCIALLY Physically active children are more likely to thrive academically and socially. Through effective physical education, children learn how to incorporate safe and healthy activities into their lives. Physical education is an integral part of developing the "whole" child for success in social settings and the learning environment. " Evidence suggests that physical activity has a positive impact on cognitive ability, avoiding tobacco deaths from major chronic diseases. dramatically between the ages of 9 and 15. ￼American Heart Association 􏰀 Advocacy Department 􏰀 1150 Connecticut Ave. NW 􏰀 Suite 300 􏰀 Washington, DC 20036 Phone: (202) 785-7900 􏰀 Fax: (202) 785-7950 􏰀 www.heart.org/advocacy ￼