National Physical Fitness Month

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(Mr. PAULSEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment to recognize the month of May as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Since 1983, various individuals and organizations have focused on May as a time to promote awareness of the value of physical activity and the pursuit of happier, healthier, and more productive lives. Chronic diseases, including preventible illnesses like heart disease and stroke,

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cause 70 percent of U.S. deaths and are responsible for three-quarters of health care spending. The great majority of these conditions are linked to risky health behavior such as obesity and lack of exercise.

Congress should be drawing attention to the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and the good work being done by many employers to encourage healthy behaviors through workplace wellness programs.

Mr. Speaker, that's why I am partnering with my colleague, Ron Kind from Wisconsin, to create a Congressional Wellness Caucus that I encourage my colleagues to join.

(House of Representatives - May 2, 2011)