H.R. No. 1506
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Across Texas, the inaugural observance of Every Kid
Healthy Week is taking place from April 24 through 28, 2017; and
WHEREAS, The Lone Star State is home to more than 7 million
residents under the age of 18, a segment that represents over 26
percent of the total population; of those young people, nearly 20
percent are considered obese, a condition that can lead to a host of
serious health issues, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes,
asthma, sleep difficulties, and low self-esteem; and
WHEREAS, At the national level, 75 percent of health care
expenditures go toward diagnosing and treating chronic illnesses,
many of which have been linked to obesity and physical inactivity;
moreover, the State of Texas annually spends nearly $6,000 per
capita on health care; and
WHEREAS, Regular physical activity can produce such
long-term benefits as greater cardiorespiratory and muscular
fitness, better bone health, reduced symptoms of depression, and
improved academic performance; the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services recommends children and adolescents participate in
an hour or more of physical activity daily, through a combination of
aerobic and muscle- and bone-strengthening activities, yet only
about 27 percent of young Texans meet those suggested levels; and
WHEREAS, In an effort to combat the rising levels of
childhood obesity, health clubs throughout the state have created
programs specifically designed to encourage families to exercise
and follow a healthy diet; in recent years, such initiatives have
spurred a dramatic increase in the number of health club members
under the age of 18; and
WHEREAS, Childhood obesity not only negatively affects our
young people's quality of life but also leads to higher health care
costs, and this weeklong campaign to raise awareness of this issue
serves as a valuable way of educating the public about a critical
health epidemic facing our state; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize April 24-28, 2017, as Every Kid
Healthy Week and encourage all Texans to meet the recommended
levels of physical activity each day.
Sheffield
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1506 was adopted by the House on May
4, 2017, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House