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HR PR
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WASHINGTON, DC—Continuing her fight to eradicate childhood obesity in America, Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH) introduced the Fit for Local Investments in the Future of Every Child (L.I.F.E.) Act of 2010 today. In conjunction with Congressman Anh “Joseph” Cao (R-LA), Congresswoman Fudge structured a bill that addresses the unique barriers to healthy lifestyles for children in inner city, rural, and Native American communities, which have disproportionately high rates of childhood obesity.
“America is at a crossroads. We can turn this health epidemic into an opportunity to educate and motivate our families toward better health or we can disregard this movement as a fad. I choose to act,” said Congresswoman Fudge.
“The facts about childhood obesity demand action. Right now, 10 million children are obese. Certain communities are hit harder than others. For example, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation reports that almost 43 percent of Mexican-American children and almost 37 percent of African-American children are obese or over weight, compared with about 32 percent of white children. But this trend can be reversed.”
“We can encourage corner stores to sell fresh produce in communities where there are no grocery stores, which we call food deserts. We can reauthorize the National Youth Sports Programs, which attack hunger, inactivity, and poor nutritional knowledge in a fun environment. We can expand Native American youth Zuni program which combats stereotypes that undermine healthy living. Fit for L.I.F.E. recognizes these opportunities. It proposes change, as well as innovative solutions.”
The comprehensive nature of the bill has garnered supporters in Cleveland, Ohio’s robust health community, including Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic.
“The Fit for LIFE Act sets forth strong policies to reduce barriers that interfere with children having nutritious foods, safe places to play, and obesity prevention and treatment
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