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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
21-196
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
May 3, 2016
To declare May 2016 as “Exercise is Medicine Month” in the District of Columbia.
WHEREAS, nearly half of American youth between the 12 and 21 years of age are not vigorously active on a regular basis;
WHEREAS, only one in 3 children are physically active every day;
WHEREAS, nearly 45% of children living in poverty are overweight or obese compared with 22% of children living in households with incomes 4 times the poverty level;
WHEREAS, about 14% of young people report no recent physical activity with inactivity more common among females than males and among black females than white females;
WHEREAS, regular exercise has proven effective to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, decrease rates of obesity and support the prevention of heart disease;
WHEREAS, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the District of Columbia and African American adults experience the highest rates of heart disease in the District of Columbia;
WHEREAS, in 2010, 22.4% of the District of Columbia population reported as obese;
WHEREAS, physically active children perform better in school and are less prone to colds, allergies, and diseases, including cancer and Type 2 diabetes;
WHEREAS, diabetes is the sixth-leading cause of death in the District of Columbia and the highest prevalence is found in Wards 5, 7, and 8 and the death rate among residents with diabetes is highest in Ward 7;
WHEREAS, exercise decreases anxiety, reduces depression, and improves mood, sleep quality, and outlook in children; and
WHEREAS, research shows that regular physical activity in adults reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, reduces the risk of certain cancers, helps relieve arthritis-related pain, strengthens bones, improves mood and mental health, and reduces the risk of dying early from preventable chronic diseases.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Exercise is Medicine Month Recognition Resolution of 2016”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes the innumerable health benefits associated with regular physical activity, promotes healthy living for all residents in the District of Columbia, and declares May 2016 as “Exercise is Medicine Month” in the District of Columbia.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.
