[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 15, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E814]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           MAY IS NATIONAL PHYSICAL FITNESS AND SPORTS MONTH

                                 ______


                            HON. JOE BARTON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 15, 1996

  Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, May is National Physical Fitness 
and Sports Month, conducted by the President's Council on Physical 
Fitness and Sports. Every American should take this opportunity to 
celebrate and begin a fitness routine. The benefits from exercise are 
far-reaching. Studies have revealed that there is a direct connection 
between exercise and lower death rates from heart attacks, stroke, 
hypertension, non-insulin-dependent diabetes, brittle bones, anxiety, 
and depression. However, in lieu of this information many Americans 
continue to remain inactive, with little or no physical activity in 
their daily lives.
  Even low- to moderate-intensity activities like walking, gardening, 
or biking can bring benefits. I realize this so I have taken the 
opportunity to share my love of biking with my constituents. On my home 
page, you will find ``Biking with Barton.'' This is a detailed 
exploration on the Internet that allows you to link with other bike 
pages. I have included all sorts of biking information from biking 
events and books, to community activities, and details on how to bike 
to work.
  I am also happy to support organizations like the National Coalition 
for Promoting Physical Activity. They have a long-term mission to 
motivate more Americans to be physically active. The national coalition 
is a collaborative partnership of groups who have identified physical 
activity and health as their primary mission and is facilitated by the 
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; 
the American College of Sports Medicine; and the American Heart 
Association. To accomplish its goals the national coalition will use 
its network to provide ledaership to the American public and 
policymakers to increase the understanding, communication, and 
promotion of physical activity and health. They seek to develop 
consistent exercise messages to clarify for Americans the confusing 
array of information that currently exists and coordinate education 
efforts between the public and private sectors.
  I urge all Americans to challenge themselves this May, National 
Physical Fitness and Sports Month, to make physical activity a regular 
part of your life.

                          ____________________