IL HJR0005

Recognizes that childhood obesity has tripled in the past 30 years, with 20% of children aged 6-11 and 18% of adolescents aged 12-19 classified as obese as of 2008.

Acknowledges schools' primary role in youth development, with direct contact with over 95% of young people aged 5-17 for approximately 6 hours daily over 13 critical developmental years.

Encourages educators and school administrators to establish one week per school year as a fitness awareness week emphasizing physical fitness in Illinois schools.

Recommends topics for fitness awareness week discussions including nutrition, physical activity, tobacco and drug prevention, cardio protocols, eating disorders, and physical activity facts.

Commends the fifth grade students at Columbus Elementary School in Edwardsville for building awareness of physical fitness and supporting the State's blue ribbon panel reviewing physical fitness program enhancements.