|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State
Rep. Lawrence Curry |
|
Cedarbrook Middle School receiving $15,000 to 'shape up' the student body
HARRISBURG, Aug. 26 – State Rep. Lawrence Curry, D-Montgomery/Phila., said today that Cedarbrook Middle School in the Cheltenham School District is receiving a $5,000 Active School grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and a $10,000 grant from Independence Blue Cross to help get students into shape.
"Obesity is a growing problem in Pennsylvania that causes a myriad of health problems, and contributes to rising health-care costs. Our schools offer the perfect setting to teach children healthy habits that will serve them well their entire lives," Curry 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, those who are 30 or more pounds 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.health.state.pa.us.