HSC Press Releases

For Immediate Release
Contact: Tara Kennon, 312-419-1810
tara@healthyschoolscampaign.org

Parents United for Healthy Schools Will Travel to Springfield to Advocate for Recess
Mandatory recess for Chicago schools hold promise of combating childhood obesity

Chicago, April 20, 2007 -- Nearly 50 parents from Chicago communities affected by health disparities will travel to Springfield on Tuesday, April 24, to speak up for school recess.

Parents will voice their support for a bill introduced in the Illinois House (HB1335), which would require a 10-minute recess at least once per day for grammar school students in Chicago Public Schools.

"In the Latino neighborhood in which I live, I see the number of kids who are obese increasing dramatically," said Jovita Flores of the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization.

"I realized that we don't have much physical activity in our schools, even though schools in other neighborhoods have recess and PE," added Flores. "This bill will give our children the chance to be healthy and active during the school day, something that children in many other schools are able to take for granted."

Flores is an active parent leader in Parents United for Healthy Schools / Padres Unidos Para Escuelas Saludables, a coalition of more than 30 independent parent organizations representing Chicago communities affected by health disparities. PUHS is organized by the Healthy Schools Campaign, an independent not-for-profit dedicated to wellness and environmental health in schools.

Recess has emerged as an important tool in combating childhood obesity, which has more than doubled in the past two decades to a rate of about 17 percent. This rate is even higher in Latino and African-American communities. In Chicago's West Town, for example, approximately 73 percent of children are overweight or obese.

Studies show that incorporating physical activity into the school day helps fight childhood obesity. Exercise is also linked to increased academic success and decreased discipline problems.

"When I recognized the disparities our children face, I knew I had to get involved," said Flores. "Parents are the most important messengers for these issues, because we have something at stake."

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The Healthy Schools Campaign, an independent not-for-profit organization, is the leading authority on healthy school environments and a voice for people who care about our environment, our children and education. Our mission is to advocate for policies and model programs that allow students and staff members to learn and work in a healthy school environment.