Healthy Kids Act: Physical activity in schools and BMI surveillance

Proposed HB52 would increase opportunities for children in public elementary schools to be active by allowing schools to design and implement their own physical activity programs, offer 30 minutes of physical activity every day, and prohibit schools from using recess and other physical activities as a way to discipline children.

Childhood obesity is a health crisis nationwide and especially in Kentucky, whose children have the 4th highest rate of childhood obesity in the country. This translates into one in three Kentucky children being obese. Obesity increases the risk for a number of chronic conditions, including heart disease, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and asthma. In addition, overweight children are more likely to become overweight adults.

Experts recommend children engage in 60 minutes of moderate physical activity each day. Children who are more physically active have a healthier weight and Body Mass Index (BMI), tend to perform better academically, and show a stronger academic performance. Activity breaks can also improve cognitive performance and classroom behavior.

At least nine other states have comparable or more stringent standards for physical activity in the public schools, including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Maine, New Jersey, North Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, and Oregon.

http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/10RS/HB52/bill.doc

Menu Labeling in Kentucky

Proposed SB86 and HB246 would alter the manner in which restaurants display caloric information, and would require all restaurants with 20 or more locations in the United States to provide nutrient content statements for everything served on menus, inside menu boards, and drive through windows. More detailed information would be available at the restaurants at the customer’s request; currently there are no requirements that fast food restaurants provide any nutrition information to consumers.

Studies have shown that customers tend to order menu items with fewer calories when the caloric intake is posted in restaurants by an average of 75 calories per order. At this rate, the average person could lose approximately 10 pounds per year.

The food industry also is likely to reduce the calorie content of some items once menu labeling goes into effect. For example, after menu labeling requirements were implemented in New York City, Dunkin’ Donuts reduced the calories in a Glazed Cake Stick from 490 calories to 360 calories, KFC reduced their Firey Buffalo Wings by 110 calories, and McDonalds cut 70 calories in a large order of French fries.

http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/10RS/SB86/bill.doc

http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/10RS/HB246/bill.doc