Please make Health and PE a priority in Texas schools. Sadly, obesity rates are on the rise and our children are becoming more and more at risk. Over 32% of children are obese in Texas, a shocking statistic. As you know obesity is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and other chronic health problems.

Today, you and your colleagues at the State Board of Education will begin addressing drastic changes to physical education and health curriculum in our high schools. Now is not the time to take a step back in the fight against obesity.

As a volunteer for the American Heart Association, I support meaningful physical education in our high schools. Please consider retaining the full 1.5 credit of physical education and keep health curriculum as a half credit requirement for graduation under the minimum and distinguished achievement graduation plans.

As you and your staff develop regulations to implement the physical education and health components of House Bill 3 I ask that you take into consideration the significant financial and health impact these decisions will ultimately have on our children.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Heart Disease and Stroke. You're the Cure.