Lindsay A.

Scholten
1234 School Lane
November 18, 2014
Michigan State Representatives
Roger Victory & Ken Yonker
State Capitol
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514
Dear Mr. Victory and Mr. Yonker:
I am contacting you both, to request your help in developing a bill that would require
Michigan schools provide a specified amount of time of physical activity. Twenty-one
other states have enacted such laws. I chose to contact you both, because as local
representatives you are in positions to initiate this process. I also discovered that between
the two of you, you sit on the committees for education, health policy, children, and
families. State representatives and governments are vital in the fight against obesity. You
have some control through legislation, and authority over social and built environments,
like our schools.
Thirty-one percent of Michigan adults are considered obese, ranking 11th out of all 50
states and Washington DC. Obesity rates in children between the ages 2-17 range from
13-14.8 %. Studies show that obese children are more likely to miss school, have lower
GPAs, progress slower in school, and drop out of school. Chronic diseases, including
hypertension and high cholesterol can begin in obese children. The risk for other diseases
including diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers also increases.
As a nurse, I am in an optimal position to promote health and advocate for change.
Almost every day I see how obesity wreaks havoc on patients health. Altruism is the
virtue on which the profession of nursing stands. My profession has the experience,
education, and legacy needed to lead our communities, states, and nation to a better place.
As a mother of two little boys, I feel obligated to advocate for this issue. Children must
be active to be well. I know from experience, what an hour of running around will do for
kids behavior and concentration. Studies show that physical activity improves both
physical and emotional health, concentration, and academic performance in children and
teens.
The American Heart Association and National Association for Sport and Physical
Education recommend that elementary students get at least 150 minutes of physical

activity per week. For high school students they recommend at least 225 minutes each
week. This activity can be done during and out of school. Michigan currently has laws
that require physical education in high school, but no specific time requirements. There
are no set requirements, only recommendations for children in kindergarten through 8th
grade.
I am aware that our schools face many obstacles. Funding cuts mean programs get cut.
Physical activity can be a 10 minute routine of simple exercises. Teachers can do this in
their classroom periodically throughout the day. It would be a stress reliever for
everyone involved. If schools were responsible for just 100 minutes per week, or 20
minutes each day in grades K-8, that would leave only 50 minutes of activity for children
to get at home. High schools could require 165 minutes per week, which would be 33
minutes each day, or 55 minutes three days per week. The physical activity done during
school is only part of the equation. The goal is to teach children the importance of
moving so they can grow to lead active and healthy lives as adults.
The World Health Organization has developed a School Policy Framework booklet to
guide policy-makers in the development and implementation of policies that promote
healthy diet and exercise. One of their recommendations is to use a regulatory approach
to make physical and/or sports education compulsory in schools. For success in this
endeavor, The Michigan Department of Education will have to collaborate with our
schools and educators to change their current programs.
While we have laws regarding the health of our children, there is still a need for our
schools to be required to provide more physical activity. I am hopeful that you will see
the need for the legislation process to begin. It will benefit our state at large by reducing
the rates of obesity, and by raising a healthier generation.
I would appreciate your response and any updates on progress that is made with this
initiative.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,

Lindsay A. Scholten

References
Citizens Research Council of Michigan. (2014). Addressing Michigans obesity problem. retrieved from
http://crcmich.org/PUBLICAT/2010s/2014/rpt387.pdf
Lathrop, B. (2013). Nursing leadership in addressing the social determinants of health. Policy, Politics, &
Nursing Practice 14(1) 41-47. doi 10.1177/1527154413489887.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. (2014). The state of obesity in Michigan. retrieved from
http://stateofobesity.org/states/mi/
Wamp, Z. (2009). Creating a culture of movement: the benefits of promoting physical activity in schools
and the workplace. American Journal of Preventative Medicine 36(2) S55-S56. doi
10.1016/j.amepre.2008.10.008
World Health Organization (WHO). (2008). School policy framework- implementation of the WHO global
strategy on diet, physical activity and health. retrieved from
http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/SPF-en-2008.pdf?ua=1