Two U.S. senators introduced bipartisan legislation on Friday that would establish new physical-activity recommendations for U.S. children and adults.
The Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act, presented by Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Patty Murray (D-WA), would empower the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue revised physical-activity recommendations. The guidelines would be adjusted every 10 years to reflect the most recent scientific and medical data and evidence available.
“The government already provides physical-activity recommendations for the public, but this information has not been updated since 2008,” Wicker said. “Recent advances in medical science and technology highlight the need for modern recommendations. This bill would ensure that Americans are provided with reliable, up-to-date, evidence-based health information.”
The bill also directs HHS to update reports to highlight continuing physical-activity issues five years after the release of each set of recommendations. The physical-activity recommendations would complement the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which were originally released in 1980. The legislation ensures that HHS promotes the Physical Activity Guidelines for years to come.
Data indicates that people who are physically active tend to live longer and have a lower risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression and some cancers. Research shows that only 20 percent of U.S. adults currently get enough physical activity, and less than 30 percent of high school students get the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity.
“As we work on policies to improve the health and wellness of families in Washington state and across the country, it is critical all Americans have clear, scientifically based information on how physical activities can benefit their health,” Murray said. “Staying active is an important part of living a healthy life, and this legislation will help ensure Americans know how much and what kind of physical activities work best for them.”