Curb Childhood Obesity in Texas Schools
Does $147 billion ring a bell? Recent news reports estimate the cost of obesity in our country totals that much. And that's not the end; childhood obesity is a growing problem.
In Texas more than 32 percent of children are either overweight or obese. It's clear that lawmakers need to create a statewide Physical Education Coordinator. This champion for PE in our school system would:
- make sure schools actually have physical education and not just activity
- develop strategic plans for improving PE
- implement new and creative approaches for reducing obesity in students
- increase accountability among schools to produce results
Across the country, 32 states have this type of position, and it's time for Texas to have one. Urge lawmakers to reduce childhood obesity in Texas by improving PE in schools!
Dear [Decision maker],
We have an obesity epidemic in this state and it is starting with our children. A recent report concluded that more than 30 percent of kids today are overweight or obese. We need to improve physical education in schools to reverse this troubling trend. Will you help?
As your constituent I am asking that you support creating a statewide Physical Education Coordinator at the TEA. Coordinators have proven successful in other states by:
- developing strategic plans for improving PE
- implementing new and creative approaches for reducing obesity in students
- increasing accountability among schools to produce results
As you know obesity often leads to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer. Please help our children learn healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
[Your comment will be inserted here]
Thank you for your consideration.
