State Launches New ShapingNJ Website

Piscataway - Governor Jon S. Corzine issued a statewide fitness challenge to kids, their parents and school leadership across New Jersey today, urging them to take steps toward better children's health by exercising more and making healthy food choices.

The Governor's Nutrition and Fitness Challenge invites kids between the ages of six and 17 to register at www.nj.gov/health/fitnesschallenge and track their daily progress in meeting four goals: exercise an hour a day; eat healthy; eliminate sugary drinks; and reduce computer and TV screen time.

"Instilling healthy habits at an early age is the best way to ensure a healthy future for our kids," Governor Corzine said.  "Childhood obesity has become a serious problem, but luckily there's an easy solution, eating healthier and increased exercise, and this program will help them do it."

Governor Corzine announced the challenge during a fourth grade physical education class at the Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Piscataway.  During his visit, the Governor took some time to join students in their sports activities and participate in a healthy snack demonstration by Celebrity Chef Diane Henderiks.

"Kids love a contest and Governor Corzine's Nutrition and Fitness Challenge will motivate kids to exercise and eat healthy foods," said Henderiks, host of the News 12 show, "Healthy Bites with Diane Henderiks."  "Teaching our children about healthy lifestyles now puts them on the road to good health throughout their lives."

The website for the Governor's Challenge, www.nj.gov/health/fitnesschallenge, includes a variety of resources to help kids achieve their goals including a BMI (body mass index) calculator, charts with foods choices, options for exercise, and links to other health and fitness websites.

"Governor Corzine's Nutrition and Fitness Challenge is another step in our continuing efforts to improve the health of all New Jerseyans," said Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard.  "Obesity is a serious public health issue. Childhood obesity puts kids at greater risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. This challenge can motivate kids from an early age to watch what they eat and find sports and physical activities they enjoy."

"Studies have found that physical activity may lead to gains in mental acuity and intellectual ability," said Education Commissioner Lucille Davy.  "Being healthy and active helps students focus and concentrate on their school work, and that makes them better learners."

The Governor's Fitness Challenge is similar to the President's Challenge, a national program that focuses on increasing physical activity.  It began as a national youth fitness test and expanded into a series of physical activity programs that encourage everyone to be more active. In the future the challenge will be expanded to include adults and seniors.

Today's announcement is the most recent step in the Governor's continuing efforts to improve the health of New Jersey. Over the last three years, the Corzine administration has created an Office of Nutrition and Fitness in the Department of Health and Senior Services to lead the fight against obesity and directed a statewide campaign to combat childhood obesity conducted by the Departments of Health, Education and Agriculture.  In addition, New Jersey revised school nutrition standards mandating healthier foods in schools and invested in safer bike trails and walking paths through the Safe Routes to School Program.

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Governor Corzine's Nutrition and Fitness Initiatives

Ensuring New Jerseyans live a health lifestyle has been a long-standing priority for the Governor.
 
In May 2007, Governor Corzine directed DHSS to create a new Office of Nutrition and Fitness to help lead New Jersey's fight against obesity -- the nation's second leading preventable cause of death after smoking.  The office coordinates the department's existing programs aimed at helping kids and families lead healthier lifestyles. There are programs to promote breastfeeding, promote sports and physical activity at all ages, encourage fruit and vegetable consumption, and provide fresh fruits and vegetables to eligible women, children and seniors.
 
In September 2007, Governor Corzine directed Departments of Health, Agriculture and Education to coordinate a statewide public awareness campaign which focused on childhood obesity and second-hand smoke.  "Keeping our children healthy is a primary goal of my administration," said Governor Corzine.  "This cooperative initiative of the Departments of Health, Agriculture and Education will help to deliver the message that childhood obesity and second-hand smoke and the diseases associated with them are highly avoidable."
 
In August 2009, Governor Corzine announced a public-private partnership where the state will join forces with medical, fitness, nutrition and health experts to build on the state's current healthy kids and families plan and map out strategies to help people make healthy choices and increase physical activity.  To support the effort, the Corzine Administration received a five-year, $4.1 million grant from the CDC. As part of the CDC grant, the state and its partners will target six areas: increase physical activity; increase consumption of fruits and vegetables; increase breastfeeding; decrease consumption of sugar sweetened beverages; reduce consumption of high calorie foods such as potato chips and candy; and decrease daily hours of television viewing.  For more information about nutrition, fitness and obesity prevention, visit www.shapingnj.gov.

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