Dr. Moyer of Moyer Total Wellness, contributed key medical testimony that helped pass the Colorado Wellness Law which bans trans fats in Colorado Schools. This is an incredible step forward to improve the wellness of our nation, the health of our children, and in combatting obesity, which effects over 1/3 of Americans.
Here is the official press release for this monumental bill.
Victory for Colorado’s Children: Senate Bill 68-Eliminating Trans-Fats in Schools is on the Governor’s desk after passing through both the House and Senate with approval.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
• SB-12-068 will require the elimination of industrially produced trans-fats such as vegetable shortening, margarine or any type of partially hydrogenated vegetable oil that contains more than zero grams of trans-fat per serving.
• Schools will not be permitted to serve a food that contains any industrially produced trans-fat in the preparation of a food item or beverage that is intended for consumption by a student in public elementary, middle or high school.
• The bill requires the elimination of trans-fats in any meal provided by the school, such as breakfasts, al a carte items, vending machines and after-school snacks.
• A healthy school environment helps improve children’s physical well-being, enhances learning, minimizes behavior problems, and increases attendance.
• Children who start as young as age 3 or 4 eating a steady diet of fast food and other trans-fat laden foods such as snack foods and baked goods can be expected to have a higher risk of getting heart disease at an earlier age than kids who are eating foods without trans-fats.
• When schools offer healthy options such as trans-fat free foods, children are less likely to buy unhealthy snacks. Additionally, well nourished, healthy children are more likely to achieve academic success.
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION POSITION
The American Heart Association (AHA) is supporting efforts to eliminate trans-fats in Colorado school food programs. The AHA has long recognized the consumption of trans-fats as a health risk to Americans and has worked to encourage their removal from the restaurant and food industry.
Colorado is known as the leanest state in the country. Unfortunately that is rapidly changing as our rates of childhood obesity are steadily increasing. According to the Colorado Children’s Campaign, 2012 Kids Count report, 26% of Colorado children ages 2 through 14 are overweight or obese, and in some counties the percentage reaches over 40%. The consequences of this scary statistic are severe, and in some cases, lifelong. Obese children are at elevated risk for high blood pressure and cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and are more likely to be obese as adults. It’s our job as adult citizens to protect our children, and do what we can to create a safe and healthy environment for them, both at home and at school. A healthy school environment not only helps to improve children’s physical well-being, it also enhances learning, minimizes behavior problems, and increases attendance.
We must stand up for our health and well-being of our children. We must model a healthier lifestyle and teach our children the importance of nutrition and exercise. We must reduce the risk of heart disease in our future business and community leaders. We must act now. Senate Bill 68 is a great start, and another step in the right direction.
Take charge of your health today with Moyer Total Wellness! Our team of certified specialists target the 4 causes of disease, chronic stress, poor diet, lack of physical fitness and toxins in the environment. Addressing these causes can help you achieve your optimal wellness.
Personal Fitness, Massage Therapy and/or Chiropractic Care, Moyer Total Wellness can help.
May 2012