STATE OF NEW JERSEY
215th LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2012 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman CONNIE WAGNER
District 38 (Bergen and Passaic)
Assemblywoman L. GRACE SPENCER
District 29 (Essex)
SYNOPSIS
Designates walking as New Jersey State Exercise.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel
An Act designating walking as the New Jersey State Exercise and supplementing chapter 9A of Title 52 of the Revised Statutes.
Whereas, According to the Surgeon General of the United States, each year, obesity contributes to an estimated 112,000 preventable deaths. Obese adults are at increased risk for many serious health conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and its complications, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and respiratory problems, as well as certain cancers; and
Whereas, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calculates that in 2008, New Jersey had an obesity rate of approximately 22.9%; it is estimated that the annual medical costs of obesity in the State are $2.3 billion; and
Whereas, Two of the highest risk factors for heart disease and stroke in New Jersey are being overweight or obese, and lack of engaging in any moderate or vigorous physical activity. An estimated 62.3% of New Jersey adults are at risk for heart disease and stroke due to being overweight or obese, and 51.9% are at risk due to the lack of engaging in any moderate or vigorous physical activity; and
Whereas, In "The Surgeon General's Vision for a Healthy and Fit Nation 2010," the Surgeon General stated that increased physical activity and decreased sedentary behavior are associated with lower rates of obesity and a reduced risk for many of the diseases associated with obesity; and
Whereas, According to the Mayo Clinic, walking is a gentle, low-impact exercise that can easily be used to progress to higher levels of fitness and health. Walking is a natural activity that does not require any specialized equipment or training, and is an inexpensive physical activity that most residents can easily perform at any time of the day. Moreover, walking is a fun activity that friends and family can do together; and
Whereas, Walking is one of the best forms of exercise because it helps reduce cholesterol, improve cardiovascular fitness, improve blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart attack, and prevent certain cancers, osteoporosis, and diabetes. Regular physical activity, such as walking, can also make residents feel better because it reduces anxiety and depression, and aids in sleeping, handling stress, and feeling more energetic; and
Whereas, Walking, as the New Jersey State exercise, will enhance the quality of life in New Jersey and improve the health and well-being of its residents; now, therefore,
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. Walking is designated as the New Jersey State Exercise.
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill designates walking as the New Jersey State Exercise. Two of the highest risk factors for heart disease and stroke in New Jersey are being overweight or obese, and lack of engaging in any moderate or vigorous physical activity. It is estimated that the annual medical costs of obesity in the State are $2.3 billion.
Walking is a gentle, low-impact exercise that can easily be used to progress to higher levels of fitness and health. Walking, as the New Jersey State exercise, will enhance the quality of life in New Jersey and improve the health and well-being of its residents.