Legislation to fight childhood obesity

Ohio lawmakers are considering legislation that would make a health and fitness a priority in schools. The bill would require schools to give students 30 minutes of moderate to rigorous physical activity per day, separate from recess time. It would also bring more physical education for high school students, more nutritional food options, and would put physical education evaluations on district report cards.

"This (problem) is primarily due to eating food with too many calories and not burning enough calories through physical activity, so this legislation will address a lot of those problems," said Leah Sabato, a dietitian for Dayton Children's.

Childhood obesity has become a primary focus for the Montgomery County Combined Health District. It's launched a new initiative called, "Get Up, Montgomery County." The push is aimed at getting kids moving, and educating them about healthy food choices. "Get Up" has released simple rules for keeping healthy: Five fruits and vegetables a day, no more than two hours of screen time, at least one hour of physical activity a day, and almost no sugary soda or juice flavored drinks.

"The legislation is just one component of what I think needs to happen in the schools," said Jim Gross, Montgomery County Health Commissioner. "The increased physical activity, the more nutritious offerings in the school is very important, but also kids need to be educated on why it's so important to live a healthier lifestyle."

Gross said he'd like to see school officials serve as healthy role models for children.

"If we do not take bold steps to do something, and I believe the legislation in Columbus right now is a bold step, we're not going to make any progress," Gross said.

Statistics show that 25 percent of children in Dayton are overweight or obese. While experts say the legislation is a start, we still need to teach parents to provide a healthy environment at home, and encourage children to make healthy decisions on their own.