Pocono News Section

The State Looking to Get Youngsters Fit

The State Looking to Get Youngsters Fit - Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 12:42PM EST

It was a competitive day between the State Secretaries of Health and Education - the two were challenging each other at fitness exercises at a middle school - in Point Marion. They hope that competitive spirit will catch on with state schools - for grant money that's being offered for fitness programs.

Everette James the PA Secretary of Health says "Middle schools will be able to apply for what is called an active schools grant. That grant is going to be 5-k from the state given to us by the feds, for what's being called the prevention block grant . So schools get 10-k from match organizations that are committed to provide the match funding."

For schools to receive the dessert of grant money - they'll have to slim down the options on the lunch menu Removing fried foods and soda - that is just a few recommendations the state is making. As they hope improving diets and increasing exercise will also improve test scores.

Gerald Zahorchak the PA Secretary of Education had this to say "Keep you well and you will be well educated . Make sure your well educated and you will be productive."

The effort will have to be quite productive to tip the scales in a new direction. The State Department of Health says 1 in 5 kids in the Keystone State are overweight. A number they feel local schools can help change by structuring physical activities and changing menus.