Annual physical fitness tests starting in the third grade could be coming to Oklahoma schools.

State Sen. Jessica Garvin (R-Duncan) proposed SB 94 to bring the change to public schools in the state.

The measure would also use the data gathered anonymously for the state department of education to analyze health and its correlations with academics, attendance, disciplinary problems, and use of school meal programs. 

According to Sen. Garvin, Oklahoma needs to take action when it comes to living healthily.

She shared that last fall, she spoke with top leadership at Fort Sill, and during those conversations, she heard that recruits needs to be in better shape. She proposed SB 94 in response.

“Oklahoma is the most unhealthy state in the country. And I just believe that those, those habits start when you’re young. And so anything that we can do to improve our health outcomes in Oklahoma,” asserted the Republican.

According to the state senator, she hates putting one more thing on educators’ plates. However, she argued that a healthy mind needs a healthy body.

In her view, “Being as patriotic as our state is, naturally there’s so many kids who want to go serve in the military, or adults that want to go serve in the military, and so being able to be supportive of them,” is an area legislators need to address.

The National Desk reported that on Monday, the American Academy of Pediatrics updated its guidance on combatting childhood obesity. The new recommendations include surgery for those as young as 13 and medication for children as young as 12.

Jennifer Taylor, an Oklahoma-based nurse practitioner, shared that, “I am hopeful that it’s going to be something good for children with obesity moving forward, that they’re going to have an option.”

Taylor added that she’s seen good results with the drugs, called GLP’s, when prescribed to adults.

“The people that use it as a tool and, and keep up their side on the diet and exercise are my ones that lose a lot, a lot more weight and, and keep it off,” asserted Taylor.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity can lead to diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and mental health disorders, among other conditions. 

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