Florida Senate - 2018                            (NP)    SR 1204
       
       
        
       By Senator Book
       
       
       
       
       
       32-01752-18                                           20181204__
    1                          Senate Resolution                        
    2         A resolution recognizing April 23-27, 2018, as “Every
    3         Kid Healthy Week” in Florida.
    4  
    5         WHEREAS, more than 20 percent of Florida’s population, or
    6  4.1 million residents, is under 18 years of age, and
    7         WHEREAS, the incidence of individuals who are overweight or
    8  obese is on the rise, with more than 30 percent of Florida
    9  children considered overweight or obese, and childhood obesity
   10  has become a major health epidemic in this state, and
   11         WHEREAS, being overweight as a child can lead to serious
   12  health problems, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and
   13  asthma, and can also lead to sleep problems, low self-esteem,
   14  and being bullied, and these health and wellness concerns lead
   15  to higher health care costs that negatively impact Florida
   16  taxpayers, and
   17         WHEREAS, nationally, 86 percent of health care expenditures
   18  go toward the diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases, many
   19  of which have been linked to obesity and physical inactivity,
   20  and Florida spends more than $8,000 per capita annually on
   21  health care, and
   22         WHEREAS, regular physical activity can produce long-term
   23  health benefits and, in response to the health challenges facing
   24  Florida’s adolescents, many health clubs in this state have
   25  created programs directed at children and adolescents and have
   26  also developed programs that encourage families to exercise
   27  together so they live healthier lives, and
   28         WHEREAS, the number of health club members who are under 18
   29  years of age has more than doubled in Florida, well ahead of the
   30  national average increase of 60 percent, but, still, only 25
   31  percent of Florida’s youth meet recommended levels of aerobic
   32  and muscle-strengthening physical activity, and
   33         WHEREAS, parents are a positive influence in helping their
   34  children eat healthier food and become more physically active,
   35  and
   36         WHEREAS, promoting healthy behavior promotes a healthy
   37  population, reduces health care costs, and provides a healthier
   38  and more productive workforce, and
   39         WHEREAS, Florida’s future relies on the health and well
   40  being of its youth, NOW, THEREFORE,
   41  
   42  Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida:
   43  
   44         That in recognition of the need to support initiatives that
   45  encourage physical activity and the adoption of healthy
   46  lifestyles, and acknowledging the need to improve the quality of
   47  life of many young Floridians and to prevent an increased burden
   48  on taxpayers stemming from the epidemic of childhood obesity,
   49  April 23-27, 2018, is recognized as “Every Kid Healthy Week” in
   50  Florida.