Pawlenty Encourages Minnesota Students to Get Fit

PAWLENTY ENCOURAGES MINNESOTA STUDENTS TO GET FIT

Schools across Minnesota will be recognized for encouraging fitness and healthy lifestyle choices by their students as part of a new state initiative announced today.

Governor Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota Health Commissioner Dianne Mandernach and Minnesota Education Commissioner Alice Seagren today announced the creation of the "Governor's Fit School" program. Schools that meet certain criteria for supporting and encouraging students to be more physically active and increasing health awareness will receive an award and recognition.

"Minnesota is the healthiest state in the nation," Governor Pawlenty said. "However, the incidence of childhood obesity is rising dramatically. We need to encourage kids to lead healthier lifestyles. This new designation is a great way to motivate schools to provide activities and focus on well-being."

The "Governor's Fit School" initiative is part of an overall effort by Governor Pawlenty to encourage fitness. The Governor declared 2005 "The Year of Fitness" in Minnesota and created the "Governor's Fitness Challenge," which allows citizens to track their fitness progress online at the Be Active Minnesota Web site - www.beactiveminnesota.org. The Governor's Health Cabinet distributed more than 24,000 "Get Up. Get Out. Get Fit." wristbands at the State Fair to people who signed up for the "Governor's Fitness Challenge."

"Knowledge of health, nutrition and the positive effects of physical activity will help students make healthier decisions," Health Commissioner Dianne Mandernach said. "It is our goal to create a healthy environment in all schools in Minnesota."

Schools can apply for a "Governor's Fit School" designation by completing a short online application available on the Minnesota Department of Health website. A link on the Department of Education's website to the application will also be available.

The application asks schools to indicate their commitment to promoting physical activity and health awareness according to several criteria. Those criteria include whether the school district has developed a wellness policy; whether the school provides physical and nutrition education and health standards; whether a school serves meals that meet USDA standards; and whether a school provides numerous opportunities for students to be physically active during the day. Schools that meet the criteria will receive a certificate from the Department of Health.

"The fact that the percentage of children who are overweight has more than doubled since 1980 should be of great concern to all," added Education Commissioner Alice Seagren. "Keeping our children motivated and active will hopefully lead them to incorporate healthy habits into their everyday life, long into adulthood."

Additional information about the "Governor's Fit School" program can be found on the Department of Health website at http://www.health.state.mn.us/.

http://www.governor.state.mn.us/Tpaw_View_Article.asp?artid=1727