Will encourage innovative physical education programs across America

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) introduced the Fitness for Life Act to combat childhood obesity and promote innovation in physical education curriculum. The bill is based on a successful partnership between the University of Northern Iowa and Grundy Center School District to develop innovative ways to embed technology in physical education curriculum. The Fitness for Life Act will create a competitive grant program that allows 10 colleges or universities to develop new methods of innovation in physical education with technology and ground-breaking teaching practices.

"America's obesity epidemic is spiraling out of control, jeopardizing America's physical and fiscal well-being," Braley said. "To teach our children healthy behaviors, I introduced the Fitness for Life Act, which will create a grant program based on UNI's successful 'Teaching with Technology' physical education program. I believe this legislation will have a tremendous impact, reducing childhood obesity and encouraging healthy behaviors in our children that will last a lifetime."

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in four Iowa children are overweight or obese. Many obese and overweight children develop illnesses like heart disease or Type 2 diabetes, which require long-term medical care.

Building on UNI and Grundy Center's successful partnership, funds from this grant program would be used for the purchase of equipment and technology to increase or enhance physical activity and fitness levels, including heart rate monitors, fitness assessment systems and pocket PC's.

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This week we observe National Library Week - a good time to think about the important contributions our libraries and librarians make in our communities.  First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is an observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April.  This year's theme is "Communities thrive @ your library" - and I could not agree more.   Libraries have always been there for our communities.  Today they provide a place for people - no matter their income - to access the internet and all the information it provides.  And they still serve, as they always have, as places to do in depth research, to discover a new book, to hold discussions or just a place for kids to escape into their imagination. 

The growth of public libraries in Iowa is a unique story.  Between 1892 and 1917 Andrew Carnegie provided funds for 101 community libraries - 49 of which are still in use today - and seven academic libraries across the state.  In fact, Iowa was one of the top beneficiaries of Carnegie's efforts to promote libraries.

And these libraries could not function without the dedication of our librarians.  These trained professionals often go un-thanked but really play an important part in preserving our literary history and helping us get the information we need.  I am grateful to them for all of their hard work.

During National Library Week, we are also reminded of the importance of reading skills in a child's development.  Unfortunately, a wide literacy gap exists between our nation's disadvantaged children and those with greater resources, but parental efforts to read to and with their children on a daily basis can promote the literacy of all children.  Research proves that reading aloud with children is the single most important activity for helping them become successful readers.  I fondly remember being read to as a child and reading to my two daughters when they were young.  That's why every week I participate in a program called "Everybody Wins!"  The organization's mission - one mentor, one child, one book at a time - is a testimony to the impact volunteers can have on a child's life.  Many libraries and schools across the country offer a similar program and during this week I encourage everyone to read to the children in their lives and consider participating in a similar program in their community.

Libraries all over the county, whether public or academic, are doing their part in bridging the literacy gap this week and all year, often hosting guest speakers and poetry readings, providing library assistance programs, arts and crafts sessions and other programs.  I recommend you check out your local library to participate or volunteer or even find out more about getting a library card.

For more information on National Library Week, please visit:  http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/pio/natlibraryweek/nlw.cfm