Physical Activity Guidelines Will Improve our Public Health

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/healthcare/64527-physical-activity-guidelines-will-improve-our-public-health-sen-tom-harkin-

“In recent years we have become all too aware of the fact that rising rates of obesity are sending our health care costs through the roof – and one of the main contributors is a lack of physical activity.  In fact, more than half of Americans do not get enough daily exercise to maintain proper health.  To begin to address this issue, I was pleased to join with colleagues from both sides of the aisle and both chambers this week to introduce an important piece of legislation aimed at improving America’s public health: The Physical Activities Guidelines for Americans Act. The legislation would direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to prepare and promote physical activity guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.  The bill would call for guidelines for children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities, to ensure Americans understand how much exercise they should be getting.  Similar to the dietary and nutritional guidelines commonly known as the Food Pyramid, the physical activity guidelines would be updated every five years.”