HR0024 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0024 LRB098 07435 GRL 37503 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that childhood obesity has practically become an epidemic in developed nations, with rates tripling over the last 30 years; and

WHEREAS, In the United States of America, approximately 20% of children between the ages of 6 and 11 are considered obese; and

WHEREAS, Poor diet and exercise are the two main causes of childhood obesity, as children who eat too many calories and get very little exercise are much more likely to become obese than those who eat a healthy diet and remain active; and

WHEREAS, Poor diet and exercise can lead to heart problems, emotional distress, diabetes, and sleep disturbances, which all have terrible consequences for everyday life during childhood and into adulthood; and

WHEREAS, Limiting junk food, increasing activity levels to around 60 minutes a day, and teaching children about the benefits of healthy habits can all lay the foundation for a healthier lifestyle for each child; and

WHEREAS, The economic costs of childhood obesity can become drastic; the direct costs of medical visits, diagnostic studies, and therapeutic services can be very expensive, while indirect costs can include a decrease in productivity, absenteeism, and premature death; in 2008, estimates for direct and indirect costs related to childhood obesity reached up to $147 billion; and

WHEREAS, Miss Illinois and Miss Quincy 2011, Megan Ervin, and Miss Quincy Outstanding Teen 2012, Mackenzie Mahsman, have visited some of Illinois' schools to promote physical fitness in school as a way to enhance overall physical fitness, curb childhood obesity, and develop healthier, active, more confident children; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge school teachers and administrators throughout the State of Illinois to promote 60 minutes of daily physical activity for Illinois' schoolchildren so they will enjoy healthier, active lifestyles and urge parents and their children to embrace better nutritional education to further build healthier lifestyles; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to Megan Ervin and Mackenzie Mahsman as an expression of our gratitude and respect.