Establishes a New York state physical fitness and activity education campaign

1 Co-sponsor

• Marc Panepinto

BILL NUMBER:S2336 REVISED MEMO 02/11/2015

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to a physical fitness and activity education campaign

Purpose

This bill would establish a New York State Physical Fitness and Activity Education Campaign.

Summary of provisions

Section 1- Legislative intent - this campaign would encourage physical activity which will improve the fitness of the people of NYS and will complement existing programs administered by the department of health that develop and promote nutrition and wellness activities.

Section 2 - Amends the public health law by adding a new section 264.

Section 3 - Effective date

Justification

Cornell University experts estimate that obesity costs the United States an estimated $117 billion annually and results in the premature death of approximately 300,000 people a year. Although tobacco has a higher death toll because lung cancer can kill more quickly than obesity, the long term health problems and costs resulting from obesity are far greater.

According to a recent economic report, obese Americans spend more on health care and medications than smokers. This is in large part because extra weight can result in the same increase of chronic health problems as does twenty years of aging. Obesity is associated with numerous health problems and increases the risk for hypertension, heart disease, cancer, asthma, depression, sleep apnea, Type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, stroke, gallbladder disease, pregnancy complications, back pain and spinal cord injuries.

In the past 25 years, the prevalence of obesity has dramatically increased. In an effort to combat this growing problem, this legislation creates the New York Physical Fitness and Activity Education Campaign. The Campaign's mission is to increase awareness regarding the problems associated with obesity and to promote, recreational and physical fitness activities within the State of New York.

Legislative history

S.7000/A.9403

Fiscal implications

$250K

Effective date

This shall take effect immediately.