PROTECTING PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The basics of health and nutrition are fundamental - a lesson we must teach our students.

Unfortunately, more than one-third of Texas students are overweight, putting them at higher risk for numerous chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. Without ongoing health and physical education (PE) resources in our schools, our youth risk becoming the first generation to live shorter lives than their parents.

It was clear in the mid-2000s that the focus of education had moved away from this critical bedrock.

In 2007, with the support of many concerned Texans - including Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper, the Father of Aerobics - we were able to unanimously pass Senate Bill 530, which required “moderate or vigorous” daily physical activity in grades K-8, physical activity in middle school, annual physical fitness assessment in grades K-12 and the reporting of the assessments (without names) to the Texas Education Agency in summary form.

These assessments allow the Commissioner of Education to measure the relationship between the health of our students and their academic performance, attendance, disciplinary problems, and other issues.

Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper and The Cooper Institute, with a mission of improving health and wellness through research and education, continue to advocate for more well-rounded programs, with adequate physical activity and fitness assessment, to ensure that children are gaining from the existing programs.

Health and wellness success will help Texas to raise the next generation of college-ready, military-ready, and career-ready individuals who will live healthy lives. I appreciate Dr. Cooper and the Cooper Institute for their important work, which is evident in the contents of this report.

Very truly yours,

Jane Nelson Texas State Senator | District 12

Jane Nelson Texas State Senator | District 12

TOGETHER, WE IMPACT PUBLIC HEALTH

A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR CHILDREN

Together, we advance policies that will improve the health and wellness of all Americans.

Think of how many lives and how much money we could save if we prevented these conditions from ever happening. Here are some of our key victories in public policy to improve health in our home state of Texas and across the country:

FitnessGram - Passed in Texas

The Texas Legislature approved $2 million in continued funding of FitnessGram and analysis in public schools. A feasibility study is underway in Montana and Oklahoma lawmakers are once again looking to make FitnessGram the statewide assessment of youth fitness. Meanwhile, Hip Hop Public Health is giving the FitnessGram PACER test cadence a fresh new sound for today’s youth.

Tobacco 21 - Passed in 10 states

Tobacco usage is the leading cause of preventable death, costing over $300 billion annually in direct medical care and lost productivity. The Tobacco 21 coalition is fighting to prevent 95% of young people from developing this deadly addiction. This year 10 states (Virginia, Illinois, Delaware, Arkansas, Washington, Maryland, Utah, Vermont, Texas, Connecticut, New York, Ohio) acted to raise the purchase age from 18 to 21 for tobacco and vaping products to protect teen health.

PHIT Act - Passed by the U.S. House of Representatives

If enacted, the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act will encourage more Americans to get active and healthy with pre-tax benefits. By helping offset the costs of gym memberships, race entry fees, and sports leagues, we can help prevent chronic diseases and reduce healthcare costs for all.

$581 BILLION

U.S. healthcare cost per year for heart disease, obesity and physical inactivity

$ 2 MILLION

Approved by the Texas Legislature to continue funding of FitnessGram and analysis in public schools