The FIT (Fitness Integrated with Teaching) Kids Act is federal legislation currently in review by the House of Representatives (H.R.1057/S.576). This bill would establish a framework for schools to look closely at the quality and quantity of the physical education they are providing, and to supply parents with that information to better understand the physical education their kids are receiving. Learn more…
Many of you are aware of the current crises of childhood health and wellness: one in three children is overweight (one in six is obese); anxiety affects one in ten children; and nearly 19% have been diagnosed with emotional or behavioral disorders (including ADD and ADHD). These statistics and many others (there isn’t room to list them all!) say it loud and clear: our children do not have the resources and support they need to make the choices that will provide a foundation for a lifetime of wellness.
What can be done about this situation? Plenty! The FIT (Fitness Integrated with Teaching) Kids Act is federal legislation currently in review by the House of Representatives (H.R.1057/S.576). This bill would establish a framework for schools to look closely at the quality and quantity of the physical education they are providing, and to supply parents with that information to better understand the physical education their kids are receiving.
ChildLight feels this bill is an important step along the path toward providing our children with improved fitness and health education opportunities in the schools. We are in touch with our local congressional representatives to urge them to consider the importance of this bill. We urge you to do the same. If you are interested in showing your support for this bill, please visit the FIT Kids website.
While FIT Kids fills an important gap in childhood health education, it’s only one piece in the puzzle. So much more needs to be done to provide comprehensive health education for our children. For information about a few organizations and initiatives that are focused on this issue – and to find out what you can do to help promote and support health and wellness in the schools – please visit the websites listed below.
The National Physical Activity Plan
Coordinated School Health Programs
Look for more information from ChildLight in coming months about ways you can help support children’s wellness. Advocating for children is just one of the ways we honor our mission to cultivate and nurture a healthy, wellness-based lifestyle for children through yoga.
Yours in health,
The ChildLight Team