Senate Resolution No. 192

BY: Senator PERSAUD

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
October 2, 2023, as Child Health Day in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, The citizens of the State of New York are committed to
ensuring the safety and well-being of our most precious resource, our
children, and to protecting them, in every facet of their daily lives;
and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2, 2023, as Child Health Day
in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National
Child Health Day; and

WHEREAS, National Child Health Day, which is on the first Monday of
every October, shows support for children's health, family, and those
that work hard to help them; and

WHEREAS, Family income is a major factor in the health of children
both physically and mentally; children from households below the poverty
line have a higher obesity rate than those above it, and with the
epidemic not slowing down, it is clear that there is more that needs to
be done; and

WHEREAS, National Child Health Day became a day of observance in
1928, when President Calvin Coolidge issued a proclamation for the day
and Congress enacted it; in the beginning, National Child Health Day was
observed on May 1, and in 1960, it was changed to the first Monday in
October; ever since then, American presidents have issued proclamations
that day in hopes of rallying the country to support children's health;
and

WHEREAS, On this day, kids are encouraged to go out and get some
exercise, and to be aware of what they eat and how it affects their
health; child eating habits should include fruits and vegetables, whole
grains, low-fat dairy products, protein foods, and oils; and

WHEREAS, It is found a good diet can improve academic performance;
and

WHEREAS, Today, an estimated 82% of children in the United States
are in good health; and

WHEREAS, Children are the most vulnerable people in our society;
knowing how to best ensure their health secures our future for a
brighter tomorrow; the next generation needs to develop good health
standards and it starts with the people who are in that child's life;
and

WHEREAS, National Child Health Day and its advocates help to spread
the word and raise funds to ensure that kids have the proper information
and tools to stay healthy; the more that a health-conscious ideology
becomes the norm, the more likely it is that kids will follow suit; and


WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious health issue, and more must be done to increase activity at
the local, State and national levels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2, 2023, as Child
Health Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.