Millett bill would increase physical activity for elementary school students
A bill introduced by Sen. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, would support children’s health and well-being by requiring at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity for Maine students in kindergarten through 5th grade.
A public hearing was held Wednesday in the Legislature’s Education and Cultural Affairs Committee on the bill, LD 378, “An Act To Promote Physical Activity for Schoolchildren.”
Physical fitness has recently taken a backseat to high educational standards, accountability and academic achievement in schools. According to Action for Healthy Kids, the exclusion of physical fitness from school priorities is counterproductive because “kids who don’t eat nutritiously and enjoy regular physical activity are at an academic disadvantage.”
By adolescence, 31 percent of American youth are already overweight or obese. By military recruitment age, 70 percent of Americans are unfit to serve due to lack of physical fitness, criminal records, or poor education.
“Far too many of our children do not get regular, meaningful time for physical activity,” said Sen. Millett. “We elected officials need to do our part to address this issue just as we have tackled bullying, suicide prevention, access to healthy foods and others.”
The American Heart Association, the American Stroke Association, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and the Maine Education Association also spoke in favor of the bill.
“Regular physical activity is associated with a healthier, longer life and with a lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, mental health problems, and even some cancers,” said Becky Smith, the Director of Government relations, Maine for the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association. “Because physical activity improves academic performance, it can also become an important strategy to address health disparities, like childhood obesity, and the achievement gap.”
The bill faces further action in the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee, and votes in the House and Senate.
