House Passage of FIT Kids Praised by Champions

On April 22nd, the American Heart Association joined other champions of the Fitness Integrated with Teaching Kids Act (FIT Kids) for an event on Capitol Hill to celebrate the passage of the bill by the U.S. House of Representatives!

You’re the Cure advocate and AHA spokesman Dr. Robert DiBianco (far right), a cardiologist from Maryland, praised the House for taking action and stressed the need for a renewed focus on the health of our kids. He said, “Sadly, more and more of our kids have become more inactive than ever before. In fact, a growing body of evidence suggests that the childhood obesity epidemic is largely due to a decline in regular physical activity and a diet high in empty and fat-laden calories. One of the most important ways to address this issue is through strong physical education programs in our nation’s schools.”

The AHA and Dr. DiBianco were joined by the bill’s Congressional champions, Representatives Ron Kind (D-Wis.) and Zach Wamp (R-Tenn.N), as well as Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller (D-Calif.), fitness guru Richard Simmons, and fellow supporting organizations.

With the help of advocates like you, the AHA will be continuing to work to advance the FIT Kids Act, to help ensure our kids have access to regular, quality physical education for healthy, active lifestyles.

Check out video highlights of the event at www.youtube.com/amheartadvocacy