Senator Farley Announces Youth Fitness Brochures Available

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C - Schenectady) is offering the New York State Senate Youth Fitness Campaign, which encourages children to adopt a more healthy and active lifestyle through a 10-week program where children log in their exercise activity and report it back to the Senator.

"Staying fit is an important part of growing up and can teach children wellness and health habits that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, many children don’t get the physical exercise that they need to stay fit. In fact, more than one-fourth of U.S. school children are overweight, 50 percent more than just 20 years ago. Overweight children are at a much higher risk for developing health problems, such as heart disease, later in life. Being overweight also can impact a child’s self esteem, sense of well-being and ability to excel at school," Senator Farley said.

Senator Farley said the Youth Fitness Campaign is designed to help children stay fit by encouraging them to be active, like playing sports, skipping, jumping and even helping with household chores. "While this year-round program is geared towards students in third through fifth grades, anyone can participate because staying fit is an important part of growing up. The Fitness Campaign is a 10-week program where children log their exercise in a chart. The goal is to score 100 points each week. Participants who mail the chart back to me will receive a special certificate honoring their achievement," Senator Farley said.

Families who would like free copies of the Youth Fitness Campaign materials, can call Senator Farley's office toll-free at (800) 224-5201. Orders can also be e-mailed to the Senator at: Farley@senate.state.ny.us and by clicking here.

"I'm pleased to report that WIC (Women, Infant and Children) in Montgomery County is using this brochure as part of its campaign to get families fit this summer," Senator Farley said. Copies of the brochure have also been sent to many schools in the Senator's district.