DOVER – Delaware’s health kick spurred and promoted by Nemours Health & Prevention Services and its army or partners has gained more legislative support.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 19, which passed the state Senate June 4 and the House of Representatives on June 10, casts General Assembly’s concern and supports efforts by Nemours and its 200 plus partners to make Delaware’s children the healthiest in the nation by 2015.
“It was a big day for us,” said Nemours Health & Prevention Services spokesman John Hollis. “They basically are confirming their support to make Delaware’s children the healthiest in the nation, and to bring more physical activity in the lives of children.”
One component of the resolution encourages Delaware’s public and private schools to provide students in grades K-8 a minimum of 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous physical activity during the school week.
Among those on hand at the signing was Sen. George Bunting, who three years ago introduced initial legislation calling for 150 minutes of physical activity in schools, Mr. Hollis said.
In addition, the resolution endorses efforts of the Sussex Child Health Promotion Coalition to make Sussex County a Healthy Eating/Active Living community, Mr. Hollis said.
The foundation pillar in Nemours’ and its partners’ efforts is 5-2-1-Almost None, an initiative that promotes eating five fruits and vegetables daily, no more than two hours of recreational screen/TV time, at least one hour of physical activity daily, and consumption of almost no sugar-sweetened drinks.
With Delaware ranking 19th among the 50 states in prevalence of childhood obesity, obesity among children has reached epidemic proportions with recent statistical data indicating 37 percent of Delaware’s children are overweight or obese, which in turn poses greater risk for preventable chronic diseases and potentially shorter life expectancy.
The resolution also:
Endorses and supports 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans and recommendations of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies that Delaware’s children receive 60 minutes or more of vigorous activity per day;
Requests that the Delaware Department of Education provide copies to every public and private elementary and middle school in Delaware;
Indicates that health care costs, which are escalating in Delaware, are significantly impacted by obesity, as indicated by current data suggesting an annual cost to Delawareans in excess of $207 million for medical care to treat conditions and health problems related to obesity.
News Editor Glenn Rolfe can be reached at 629-5505 or grolfe@newszap.com.
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