Biggert should support fitness act

The current debate over health care priorities presents a critical opportunity to take a closer look at the state of our children's health. With childhood obesity rates skyrocketing across the nation, more emphasis should be placed on teaching youngsters how to become more physically active. Overweight children have an increased risk for heart disease in early adulthood, the leading cause of death among Americans, and particularly here in Illinois.

U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert can help improve the health and well-being of our children by co-sponsoring the Fitness Integrated with Teaching (FIT) Kids Act, which amends the No Child Left Behind Act to encourage schools to increase physical education and give children the tools they need to stay fit and healthy through adulthood. Not only is a fit child at less risk for future heart disease, studies show they also achieve more academically.

Giving the nation's children a head start on physical fitness to reduce their risk for obesity-related diseases should be a top priority for this Congress and as we seek to reform our country's health care system. Encourage Representative Biggert to join her colleagues to help kids lead healthier lives, learn more effectively and achieve more academically.

Judy Tiggelaar

Downers Grove