Utah leaders encourage exercise by example

Utah leaders encourage exercise by example


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SALT LAKE CITY — Gov. Gary Herbert was joined by Reps. Eric Hutchings, R-Kearns, and Paul Ray, R-Clearfield, in his office Thursday to encourage Utahns to exercise more.

Hutchings and Ray are working with school districts to incorporate more exercise into the school day.

"We want to make sure we're healthy," the governor said as he and Hutchings pedaled the bikes, citing studies that have shown just 20 minutes of exercise a day increases brain power.

According to the Center for Disease Control, 56.9 percent of Utah adults are overweight, while 22.5 percent of the population is obese. Among Utah children, 10.5 are overweight and 6.4 percent are obese.

The Mayo Clinic suggests that children under the age of 7 not undergo weight loss efforts, rather, maintenance. Children over the age of 7 can lose weight, but it should be slow and steady, about 1 pound per week or month, depending on the child's condition. All weight loss programs should involve a doctor's consultation.

The bikes will be in the House through the end of the legislative session for lawmakers to use.

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Lisa Riley Roche

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