THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

5

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2005

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 
   


SENATE RESOLUTION

 

encouraging the support of new physical education programs in public elementary schools to promote lifelong education in physical fitness and healthy lifestyles.

 

WHEREAS, childhood obesity is an epidemic and is threatening child health gains made in the past; and

WHEREAS, a study released in March 2004 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concluded that poor diet and inactivity are close to overtaking cigarette smoking as the leading cause of preventable death; and

WHEREAS, obesity continues to rise at an alarming rate, affecting one out of three children in Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, school physical education programs can play a significant role in containing and preventing obesity in children, and studies show that expanding existing physical education instruction time to at least five hours a week can reduce the prevalence of overweight children; and

WHEREAS, a healthy lifestyle that incorporates regular physical activity with a nutrition program can reduce obesity; and

WHEREAS, the Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA) partnered with the Department of Education and University of Hawaii to develop the Fun 5 physical activity and nutrition program; and

WHEREAS, the Fun 5 program is being offered to all A+ program sites and elementary schools statewide and is seeking further interested sites committed to improving the health and well-being of Hawaii's keiki; and

WHEREAS, Fun 5 activities provide options for incorporating physical activities throughout the school day and is sustainable with minimal resources; and

WHEREAS, the Fun 5 program encourages elementary school children to:

(1) Be active five days a week and eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day;

(2) Develop positive attitudes toward active and healthy lifestyles; and

(3) Form healthy habits now to assist in the prevention of long-term health problems in the future; and

WHEREAS, in order to sustain physical fitness and healthy lifestyles, students must be reinforced with adequate physical education and nutrition programs throughout their years in public education; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2005, that the Legislature hereby encourages the expansion and continued support of the Fun 5 program and other physical education programs throughout the public school system from kindergarten through grade twelve to promote physical education, physical fitness, and a lifetime commitment to a healthy lifestyle; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the President of HMSA, the Superintendent of Education, and the President of the University of Hawaii.

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

New Physical Education Program; Elementary Schools