J. Daniel Bauer 2923 Chippewa Tr. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52411 [phone] Mr. Dave Loebsack
1513 Longworth House Office Building 1513 LHOB Washington, D.C., District of Columbia 20515-1502 [phone]
Dear Representative Loebsack, My name is Danny Bauer and I am currently a freshman college student athlete at Marquette University. I am writing to you today about the bill entitled the FIT Kids Act . The main purpose of my letter is to explain the details of the bill that I feel are important and a good thing. The main goal of the bill is to help improve student's knowledge in the importance of physical education and promote participation in physical activities. With the worldwide problem of childhood obesity today, I feel that this bill is of great importance. Many children today have very little knowledge of how important this topic is but we must start to inform them now before it is too late. The cost of many obesity related deaths is in the 100 billion mark. This is a very large number and one that they be easily lowered. Society has no idea what kind of impact they are having on our young children. With the increase of technological advances and other means of "easing" our way of life our focus has now turned to how we can complete our goals with the least amount of work. This attitude may seem like a good idea, but at the same time it is causing a mass epidemic among our children. There is scientific evidence linking physical activity to students' ability to learn. Implementing some sort of physical activity allows the to child clear their mind and get a new look on life. For me personally I have found this to be true. I am a collegiate athlete and physical activity is a part of my daily life and it also has improved my academics as well. When I do not work out I find myself to be tired and even "brain-dead" I do not have the same mental outlook and capacity that I do following a workout. Even though I may be tired afterwards I find myself able to focus better and pay attention easier. This may not be the case for everyone, but it is quite possible that by stimulating our muscles and bodies we are able to also stimulate our brains.
Finally I believe that we must improve more in the area of physical education in schools. Not only should phys. Ed be required, but also some sort of wellness or health class I feel would be appropriate. Physical Activity is not the only thing that needs to be added to daily life in order to kill this obesity problem, but also education in the importance of diet and other healthy body choices. Starting at a young age will allow the information to not only be taught but also give the child time to practice it and make it a daily habit. If these little things are changed we will see a dramatic change among our young people. A more thriving community and hopefully a very successful in the years to come.
Thank you for listening to my thoughts. I hope that there may be some ideas that you can take with you to bring forth to Congress. Thank you for your work you have done in the District.
Sincerely, Daniel J. Bauer