Politics & Running

There is no shortage of politicians (and media sources and parents and water-coolers) talking about childhood obesity and the importance of physical fitness for kids. The awareness is great, but unless we are doing something about it, it's kind of pointless. I don't think we should be harping on our kids to be more active and not sedentary- but if we provide and encourage opportunities for kids to be active, they WILL be active. Last night I was reading a great statement paper on Guidelines for Physical Fitness for Kids; it talked about recent evidence that shows chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes begins in childhood. There are so many reasons to live an active lifestyle.

And it's encouraging to see law-makers stepping up to help our kids. Way to go Kentucky...

BizBriefs Representative Addia Wuchner pre-files bills dealing with education, childhood obesity for 2011 session Bills part of Wuchner’s “Kentucky Kids First” initiative submitted by Michael.Goins December 28, 2010 | 11:22 AM Representative Addia Wuchner, R-Florence (66th District). (click for larger version) FRANKFORT, Ky. (December 28, 2010) – Representative Addia Wuchner, R-Florence (66th District), today announced the pre-filing of several pieces of legislation as part of her 2011 "Kentucky Kids First" initiative. The bills deal with improvements in education, health and pediatric abuse for the commonwealth's children. "Our children are not only the future leaders of our state, but also our nation and our world," said Rep. Wuchner. "When it comes to our children, Kentucky's statistics are frightening. In 2007 Kentucky ranked number one for infant death due to abuse and neglect; fifteen percent of our children struggle and fail in school due to learning disabilities and unaddressed differences like dyslexia; and over one in four of Kentucky children are overweight or obese." "In addition, one-third of Kentucky's children will develop type two diabetes in their lives, and many others will face chronic obesity related health problems like cardiac disease, high blood pressure, and stroke," Wuchner added. "These tragic statistics reflect not only their futures, but are taking their toll on Kentucky's economy. It is imperative that we as Kentucky's leaders of today do everything we can to assure tomorrow's leaders the best educational opportunities and health initiatives we can offer them." Wuchner's "Kentucky Kids First" initiative for the 2011 Legislative Session includes the following pre-filed bills and resolutions: • HB 159-Establish the goal of increasing physical activity to 30 minutes per day or 150 minutes a week for all K-5 schools in Kentucky by November 2013. This bill is called the 'Health Kids Act 2011. • HB 160-Initiates a change to current school health and physical examination entrance forms for kindergarten and sixth grade; physicians and practitioners would include Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements with height and weight. It would keep the information and health related discussions at the clinical level, with the data only available in aggregate form for statistical data. • BR 310-A concurrent resolution establishing the Legislative Task Force on Childhood Obesity, with the goal studying issues relating to the increasing epidemic of childhood obesity in Kentucky and presenting findings and recommendations to the LRC and the IJC on Health and Welfare by November 2011. • BR 311-Directs the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to establish nutritional and physical activity guidelines and standards for licensed child care centers in Kentucky. • BR 312-Encourage all birthing centers in Kentucky hospitals, to provide parents and caregivers prevention and awareness education on pediatric head trauma prior to baby's discharge from the hospital following their birth in an effort to combat pediatric abusive head trauma, also known as Shake Baby Syndrome or Death. • BR 197-Establishes district-wide use of a response-to-intervention system for students in kindergarten through grade three (3), that includes early identification of various learning differences including dyslexia, dysgraphia etc., and provide a tiered continuum of scientifically based research interventions matched to individual student strengths and needs to improve learning outcomes. • BR 263-Directs the Department of Education to develop the pathway for an alternative diploma for high school students with special needs who can't meet all the requirements of a traditional high school diploma, but who demonstrate abilities and skills that the current certificate of completion does not fully recognize. The alternate diploma pathway would allow them to continue their skills training and education enter the workforce and live productive lives. "It is my sincere hope that my colleagues in the House and Senate will support the 'Kentucky Kids First' initiative in the 2011 session," Wuchner added. "As a parent, grandparent, and a lawmaker I don't believe government can ever replace responsible parenting. Our children are the future, and I believe we can assist in shaping their futures and the future of Kentucky with sound education and healthcare policies."