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Public Commentary Dear Editor: As our children head back to school, we shouldn't have to wonder if they're being challenged both physically and mentally. While it's important to focus on core subjects like science and math, we can't forget the need to have comprehensive physical education (PE) programs. Not only will PE help combat the childhood obesity epidemic but it will also stimulate the mind and motivate children to learn. So as Congress moves forward with the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), we should encourage lawmakers to support the Fitness Integrated with Teaching Kids Act (FIT Kids), federal legislation that would integrate PE into NCLB. The bill would encourage schools to have quality PE programs and provide more detailed information and training to parents. We're facing an obesity epidemic that puts our children at greater risk of developing heart disease as adults. Over nine million children and adolescents ages 6-19 are considered overweight and the numbers will likely increase unless we adopt healthy lifestyles. The FIT Kids Act would help us achieve that goal. Paul Hartman, American Heart Association
Senior Director of Advocacy, New York
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