State legislators support increased student exercise

March 13, 2005

JOEL DAVIDSON/Frontiersman reporter

JUNEAU - A bill that would establish a statewide task force to determine better ways to increase student physical activity is continuing to move through the state Legislature. On Tuesday, House Bill 128 moved out of the Education Committee and on to Health, Education and Social Services.

The bill, introduced by State Rep. Lesil McGuire, R-Anchorage, and Les Gara, D-Anchorage, would help address the growing number of overweight Alaskan children. According to the American Obesity Association, more than 30 percent of U.S. children and adolescents are now overweight or obese.

Alaska does not currently impose any statewide standards for physical activity in schools but the task force would be charged with coming up with recommendations for maximizing physical activity within the existing structure of Alaska's schools. The task force would also recommend new laws or regulations to allow schools to provide long-term physical activity for students.

"We can help children learn and feel better by improving physical education in this state," Gara said in a press release Tuesday.

Other ideas to combat student obesity have been to look at the types of foods schools make available to students. In the Mat-Su Borough School District, there have been discussions about introducing more fresh fruits and vegetables into the school lunch menus. In addition, members of the Mat-Su School Board and administration have discussed ways to limit unhealthy foods and drinks in vending machines.

"Too many children suffer because of diabetes and obesity, and we'd like to change that," McGuire said.

Contact Joel Davidson at joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.