May 22, 2013

Carpino Applauds Passage of Childhood Obesity Legislation

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HARTFORD- In an attempt to stop the widespread problem of childhood obesity across the state, State Rep. Christie Carpino (Cromwell and Portland) authored and introduced HB-6225, a bill to establish a task force to find ways to address childhood obesity.

Today House Bill 6525, based on Rep. Carpino’s bill, passed the House and now heads to the Senate. This bill establishes a task force that will guide Connecticut in establishing priority, evidence-based strategies aimed at raising the physical activity level in children across the state in order to reduce childhood obesity.

Carpino worked with Democratic lawmakers to negotiate a bi-partisan compromise which would get support of the legislature.

Carpino said, “Overweight and obese children face a much greater risk of developing physical, emotional and social problems which include diabetes, high cholesterol, negative body image, depression and bullying. In addition, the health problems are costly to society in terms of dollars and cents. Some studies estimate the cost of obesity-related health problems cost Connecticut $856 million in one year alone, but the impact to an individual can be devastating,” said Rep. Carpino.

The bill would establish a 13-member task force to study the effects of obesity on children’s health and report its finding to the Children’s Committee by October 1, 2014.

Carpino has spent this legislative session attending and promoting fitness activities in both Cromwell and Portland through different events, including the Get Fit Challenge and Family Fitness Day sponsored by the Portland Park and Recreation Office, and an upcoming Nature Walk, and a self-defense workshop at the Jiu-Jitsu Strength Academy in Cromwell. Also she adopted two State Parks in an effort to raise awareness.

In a study published in 2008 by the Connecticut Department of Public Health, more than 25% of high school students are overweight. According to an American Heart Association study, almost 1 in 4 children does not participate in any free-time physical activity. Additionally, the average American child spends four to five hours in front of the TV, computer or video games every day.

“Children need to be taught the importance of physical activity and healthy lifestyles,” said Carpino.