Current rates of childhood obesity and resulting diseases such as diabetes are alarmingly high and the trends are not good. Parents and schools must work in partnership to reverse these trends. Here are some places to start:
- The Minnesota PTA supports legislation reinstating the physical education and health requirements as graduation standards. It is critical that physical activity and education on healthy lifestyles be part of the regular curricula.
- Nationally, elementary schools are dropping recess in order to spend more time in the classroom. Our children need the opportunity to release energy. We need to make sure recess stays a part of the school day.
- The Minnesota PTA supports state and national efforts to improve the quality of the food our children eat in school such as offering healthy alternatives to soda in vending machines. We also look forward to working with legislators to limit trans fats and other unhealthy ingredients in school food.
- Minnesota PTA supports state and national efforts to reduce toxic chemical exposure for all Minnesotans, especially children.
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