[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 72 (Friday, May 30, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1067-E1068]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                MAY IS PHYSICAL FITNESS AND SPORTS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROGER F. WICKER

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 30, 1997

  Mr. WICKER. Mr. Speaker, May is National Physical Fitness and Sports 
Month, conducted by the President's Council on Physical Fitness and 
Sports. This observance is important because it focuses attention on 
the health benefits of physical activity in the daily lives of all 
Americans. The 1996 Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and 
Health revealed that more than 60 percent of adults do not achieve the 
recommended amount of physical activity. The report brought together, 
for the first time, what has been learned about physical activity and 
health. The report found that people who are usually inactive can 
improve their health by becoming even moderately active on a regular 
basis. In addition, the report shows that physical activity does not 
have to be strenuous to achieve health benefits.
  In March, voluntary health organizations and State health groups 
briefed Members of Congress and their staff members on the importance 
of physical activity and health. I attended this briefing and heard 
from one of my fellow Mississippians, Dr. Ed Thompson. He noted that 
even slight increases in daily exercise would greatly reduce the number 
of premature deaths due to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Dr. 
Thompson urged Mississippians, as well as all Americans, to follow the 
recommendations of the Surgeon General's report and to get physically 
active.
  One organization dedicated to helping motivate more Americans to be 
physically active is the National Coalition for Promoting Physical 
Activity. This organization represents over 100 groups which have 
identified physical activity and health as their primary mission. The 
NCPPA will use its nationwide network to provide leadership to State 
and Federal policymakers as they work to increase the understanding, 
communication, and promotion of physical activity and health.
  I encourage all Americans to look for ways to incorporate physical 
activity into their daily routine by taking the stairs, working in the 
garden, walking the dog, or biking to work. It takes only 30 minutes of 
physical activity per day to make a difference.

[[Page E1068]]

  I encourage all Americans to paricipate in the Physical Fitness and 
Sports Month by developing a daily physical activity routine.

                          ____________________