Maine Lawmakers Could Pass Student Exercise Requirement

Maine lawmakers want to whip your kids…into shape.

In an attempt to help curb the obesity problem across Maine, the state Senate has proposed a bill that would make it mandatory for children in school to get some exercise.

If the bill is passed, children from kindergarten through fifth grade would be required to engage in a minimum of 30 minutes of daily exercise while at school. However, any child that is not medically able to meet the physical requirements would be permitted to do less.

While this legislation appears to be a good idea, the state Education Department is not whole-heartedly sold on the idea.  Yet, the Maine School Nutrition Association is behind it all of the way, saying that focus on a child’s nutrition is just a beginning and that physical activity should be equally addressed.