SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 665
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 United States 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-strengthening 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 Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
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.
Uresti
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 24, 2017.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate