Designates fourth week in April of each year as "Every Kid Healthy Week."
The resolution is a response to alarming statistics indicating that approximately 94,000 children between the ages of 10 and 17 in New Jersey are considered obese. It highlights that beyond physical health, obesity can lead to various mental health issues, which further complicate children’s ability to achieve their long-term ambitions. The state anticipates that addressing these concerns will not only enhance children’s well-being but reduce long-term healthcare costs, which often fall on taxpayers through programs like Medicaid and Medicare.
Assembly Joint Resolution 98 (AJR98), introduced on February 1, 2024, designates the fourth week of April each year as "Every Kid Healthy Week" in New Jersey. The goal of this resolution is to promote healthy lifestyle choices among children, raise awareness about childhood obesity, and encourage schools, parents, and health clubs to collaborate on wellness initiatives. This resolution recognizes the existing crisis of childhood obesity in New Jersey, where a significant percentage of children do not meet recommended levels of physical activity and do not regularly consume fruits and vegetables.
AJR98 emphasizes the importance of national movements aimed at combating obesity while providing a framework for local initiatives to encourage healthy lifestyles. However, discussions surrounding such resolutions often involve debates about the role of government in health promotion and the effectiveness of state-led campaigns in altering lifestyle behaviors. Critics may argue that while awareness is essential, results will depend on comprehensive, sustainable programs rather than proclamations alone.