Bill to increase physical education passes

OKLAHOMA CITY - In an attempt to combat childhood obesity, the Oklahoma Senate has passed a bill doubling the amount of class time devoted to physical activity and nutrition programs for the state's youngest students.

The amount of physical activity will increase from 60 minutes a week to 120 minutes a week. The requirement will apply to students in kindergarten through the fifth grade.

Sen. Mary Easley says those minutes could include physical education, exercise programs, fitness breaks, recess, classroom activities, and wellness and nutrition education.

The Tulsa Democrat's measure was approved by the Senate on Tuesday and now goes to Gov. Brad Henry.

Easley says policy makers have an obligation to do all they can to reverse what she says is a growing epidemic of childhood obesity.

She says statistics have shown that obese children run the risk of developing heart disease, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, some cancers and even arthritis.