Declare Child Health Day

October 6, 2025, as Child Health Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, The citizens of the State of New York are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our most precious resource, our children, and to protecting them, in every facet of their daily lives; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 6, 2025, as Child Health Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Child Health Day; and WHEREAS, National Child Health Day, which is on the first Monday of every October, shows support for children's health, family, and those that work hard to help them; and WHEREAS, Family income is a major factor in the health of children both physically and mentally; children from households below the poverty line have a higher obesity rate than those above it, and with the epidemic not slowing down, it is clear that there is more that needs to be done; and WHEREAS, National Child Health Day became a day of observance in

1928, when President Calvin Coolidge issued a proclamation for the day and Congress enacted it; in the beginning, National Child Health Day was observed on May 1, and in 1960, it was changed to the first Monday in October; ever since then, American presidents have issued proclamations that day in hopes of rallying the country to support children's health; and WHEREAS, On this day, kids are encouraged to go out and get some exercise, and to be aware of what they eat and how it affects their health; child eating habits should include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, protein foods, and oils; and WHEREAS, It is found a good diet can improve academic performance; and WHEREAS, Today, an estimated 82% of children in the United States are in good health; and WHEREAS, Children are the most vulnerable people in our society; knowing how to best ensure their health secures our future for a brighter tomorrow; the next generation needs to develop good health standards and it starts with the people who are in that child's life; and WHEREAS, National Child Health Day and its advocates help to spread the word and raise funds to ensure that kids have the proper information and tools to stay healthy; the more that a health-conscious ideology becomes the norm, the more likely it is that kids will follow suit; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of this serious health issue, and more must be done to increase activity at the local, State and national levels; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 6, 2025, as Child Health Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.