Gov. Brad Henry signed a bill this week that will double the amount of class time devoted to physical activity and nutrition programs in public schools.
Under Senate Bill 1186, the amount of physical activity will increase from 60 minutes a week to 120 minutes a week. The requirement will apply to students in kindergarten through the fifth grade.
Supporters of the bill hope it will reduce childhood obesity and related health problems in Oklahoma.
A 2004 study found that only 37 percent of Oklahoma school children were enrolled in physical education courses, compared to a national rate of 55 percent.
Since 1980, the percentage of Oklahoma children who are overweight has more than doubled, and rates for teenagers have tripled.
Fifteen percent of Oklahoma teenagers are classified as severely overweight or obese, a 300 percent increase in 20 years.
Shawnee, OK —
