[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 68 (Thursday, May 26, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 26, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
           MAY IS NATIONAL PHYSICAL FITNESS AND SPORTS MONTH

                                 ______


                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 1994

  Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, May is National Physical 
Fitness and Sports Month, conducted by the President's Council on 
Physical Fitness and Sports. Every American, young and old, should take 
this opportunity to celebrate and begin a fitness routine. People who 
exercise regularly feel better, have more energy, are able to cope with 
stress better, look better, have toned muscles, and are less likely to 
be overweight. Those who are not physically active should also know 
that lack of exercise has been found to play a significant role in 
mortality and is a major risk factor for heart disease, the Nation's 
No. 1 killer.
  Organizations like the American Heart Association promote regular 
physical activity to condition the cardiovascular system as part of a 
total program to reduce heart disease risk. Even low-to-moderate-
intensity activities, when done for as little as 20 minutes, can bring 
benefits. Pleasure walking, climbing stairs, gardening, yardwork, 
moderate-to-heavy housework, and dancing are examples. More vigorous 
aerobic activities, such as running, swimming, bicycling, and jumping 
rope, are best for improving the fitness of the heart and lungs.
  In order to raise physically fit children, I believe that children 
should be introduced to the principles of regular physical exercise and 
aerobic recreational activities at an early age. To help establish good 
health habits, the school physical education curriculum should not 
overemphasize sports and activities that selectively eliminate children 
who are less skilled. Schools should teach and emphasize that the 
development and maintenance of an exercise conditioning program 
provides rich benefits throughout ones life.
  I strongly believe that physical education along with health 
education is an important part of our children's education. A complete 
education must address the whole child, body and mind. I am proud to 
say that I sponsored an amendment which was included in Goals 2000 and 
signed into law by President Clinton. It states:

       All students will have access to physical education and 
     health education to ensure they are healthy and fit.

  In order to meet the high standards we have set in Goals 2000, 
children must master physical and health education along with science 
and math education.
  These disciplines together will make U.S. students ready to learn.
  I urge all Americans to challenge themselves this May, National 
Physical Fitness and Sports Month, to make exercise a regular part of 
their lives.

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