New Jersey-2010-AJR47-Introduced

A Joint Resolution designating April of each year as "Shape Up New Jersey Month."

Whereas, According to the federal Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the latest available information indicates that inactivity among American children, adolescents, and adults remains relatively high, and that little progress has been made to date in increasing levels of physical activity among Americans; and

Whereas, Substantial health benefits are to be gained by engaging in physical activity according to guidelines promulgated by DHHS; and

Whereas, These benefits include strong evidence for adults and senior citizens of a lower risk of: early death, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, adverse blood lipid profile, metabolic syndrome, cancer, prevention of weight gain, weight loss when combined with diet, improved cardio-respiratory and muscular fitness, prevention of falls, and reduced depression and better cognitive function in senior citizens; and

Whereas, The benefits of physical activity for adults and senior citizens include moderate to strong evidence of: better functional health in senior citizens, reduced abdominal obesity, weight maintenance after weight loss, lower risk of hip fracture, increased bone density, improved sleep quality, and lower risk of lung and endometrial cancers; and

Whereas, The benefits of physical activity for children and adolescents include strong evidence of: improved cardio-respiratory endurance and muscular fitness, favorable body composition, improved bone health, and improved cardiovascular and metabolic health biomarkers, as well as moderate evidence of reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression; and

Whereas, The major research findings about the health benefits of physical activity indicate that: regular physical activity reduces the risk of many adverse health outcomes; some physical activity is better than none; for most health outcomes, additional benefits occur as the amount of physical activity increases through higher intensity, greater frequency, and longer duration; and most health benefits occur for adults with at least two hours and 30 minutes a week of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking, and for children with at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily; and

Whereas, The research findings about the health benefits of physical activity also suggest that: both aerobic (endurance) and muscle-strengthening (resistance) physical activities are beneficial; the health benefits of physical activity occur for children and adolescents, young and middle-aged adults, older adults, and those in every studied racial and ethnic group; the health benefits of physical activity are attainable for people with disabilities; and the benefits of physical activity outweigh the risks of injury and heart attack; and

Whereas, There is substantial evidence that physical activity can help improve students' academic achievement, including grades and standardized test scores, through positive impacts on such important components of academic performance as cognitive skills and attitudes and classroom behavior, including enhanced concentration and attention; and

Whereas, The State of New Jersey has demonstrated its commitment to the health and wellness of its people by creating and supporting an Office of Nutrition and Fitness in the Department of Health and Senior Services; and

Whereas, The State of New Jersey should further commit itself to this cause by supporting and encouraging the efforts of its people to be physically fit and enjoy healthy and productive lives; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. April of each year is designated as "Shape Up New Jersey Month."

2. The Governor is requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials, health care professionals, and the citizens of this State to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs designed to raise public awareness about the importance of physical exercise to maintaining good health.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This joint resolution designates April of each year as "Shape Up New Jersey Month." The resolution requests the Governor to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials, health care professionals, and the citizens of this State to observe this month with appropriate activities and programs designed to raise public awareness about the importance of physical exercise to maintaining good health.