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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. John Yudichak
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Yudichak announces grant for local school to 'shape up' student body
HARRISBURG, Jan. 29 – State Rep. John Yudichak, D-Luzerne, announced today that Hanover Area Junior/Senior High School in Luzerne County is receiving a $15,000 Active School grant from the Pennsylvania departments of Health and Education and Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Yudichak said the school would use the grant to purchase equipment and initiate a new fitness curriculum.
"Obesity is a growing problem among the youth of Pennsylvania that can lead to lifelong health problems. Our schools are the perfect setting to teach children healthy habits, including the importance of regular physical activity," Yudichak said.
According to the state Department of Health, childhood obesity rates have tripled in the last 25 years. Overweight children face an increased risk of health problems as adults such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancers. In addition, in 2008, obese adults who are 30 pounds or more over a healthy weight, cost the nation an estimated $147 billion in weight-related medical bills.
The federally funded Active Schools grant program implements physical activity programs that meet the federal guidelines for children ages 6 to 17. Those guidelines recommend one hour of moderate or vigorous physical activity per day such as playing tag, jumping rope, swimming, playing soccer or taking brisk walks.
More information about the Active Schools grant program is available online at www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557804&mode=2.