Physical activity guidelines will improve our public health (Sen. Tom Harkin)

In recent years we have become all too aware of the fact that rising rates of obesity are sending our health care costs through the roof – and one of the main contributors is a lack of physical activity.  In fact, more than half of Americans do not get enough daily exercise to maintain proper health.  To begin to address this issue, I was pleased to join with colleagues from both sides of the aisle and both chambers this week to introduce an important piece of legislation aimed at improving America’s public health: The Physical Activities Guidelines for Americans Act.

The legislation would direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to prepare and promote physical activity guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.  The bill would call for guidelines for children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities, to ensure Americans understand how much exercise they should be getting.  Similar to the dietary and nutritional guidelines commonly known as the Food Pyramid, the physical activity guidelines would be updated every five years.

The Physical Activities Guidelines for Americans Act has been endorsed by more than 35 organizations, including the American Dietetic Association and the American Heart Association.  As we work towards comprehensive health reform, prevention and keeping people well in the first place will play a key role in reducing overall costs and I am hopeful that we will move this legislation forward.