My childhood self (and my teenage self, and probably even my college-age self) would be shocked to learn that fitness plays such an important role in my adult life. I was always shorter, skinnier, and weaker than my peers, and hated sports and gym class. Especially gym class—I would do anything I could to get out of going, or participating.
So my childhood self would also be shocked to know this: I am pleased that the FIT Kids Act was reintroduced in Congress last week. This bill aims to strengthen physical education programs in schools across the country by requiring them to report how much PE time kids get, by providing for more professional development for PE and health teachers, and by funding research on the connection between physical health, fitness, and learning.
The bill is sponsored by Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI), Zach Wamp (R-TN), and Jay Inslee (D-WA). "Preventing disease today means healthier, more active and engaged kids tomorrow," said Sen. Harkin in a press release. "This legislation takes action to combat rising rates of childhood obesity and diabetes, a public health crisis that we cannot ignore. I hope this bill will empower our schools and parents to help improve our kids' health."
The FIT Kids Act has been endorsed by The American Heart Association, American Stroke Association, National Association for Sport and Physical Education, Afterschool Alliance, American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation, American School Health Association, Healthy Schools Campaign, National Association of Health Education Centers, National Association for County and City Health Officials, National Recreation and Park Association, Obesity Action Coalition, Researchers Against Inactivity-related Disorders, SPARK, Shaping America's Health, Trust for America's Health, American College of Sports Medicine, and the YMCA.