Dear Ask America Supporters,

     It may be Fall, but ready or not....2010, (a brand new decade!!), is fast approaching, and the 111th Congressional session will very soon be drawing to a close. 

     That said, and thanks to you, even with Health Care topping the domestic agenda, the FIT Kids Bill remains in committee in both the House and the Senate. 

     What that actually means is, the committee members, made up of both Republicans and Democrats, discuss, debate, and rework objections they have to different aspects of the bill.  This process is known as "marking up" the legislation.  When the committee is satisfied with the language of the bill, they "report" it so that it can move on to the floor of the House or Senate respectively, for a full vote.

     Our Washington advisers tell us that there is still a  "possibility" of moving to a vote this House session.  FIT Kids presently has 97 Co-sponsors in the House and 22 Co-Sponsors in the Senate.  We continue to move ever closer to the desired "triple digit" number in the House of Representatives.

     Our "guys", Congressman Ron Kind and Congressman Zach Wamp, encourage us to give a reminder call or e-mail to our respective Representatives.  Here is the contact info again, if you need it: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

     Also, as difficult as this is to say, we must be prepared to face the other very real possibility, that, at session end, there will be no vote.  If that is the case,  the FIT Kids Bill would then need to be reintroducedin to the 112th Congressional session with yet another brand new number.

     For those of you that have been with us from the very beginning, you may be feeling a little frustrated at that prospect....yet again.  This, is simply, the process.

     RICHARD wants you to know, that he will not give up the fight, and will continue to speak out nationally in support of effective physical education for all American children. This is his lasting mission.

     And, we are not alone!

     Our wonderful friends at Dr. Oz's HealthCorps, Michelle, Amy and Karen are working relentlessly on many issues and programs regarding childhood obesity and youth fitness including, of course, FIT Kids.

    HealthCorps is now in 50 schools nationwide, including the recent additions of schools in Phoenix and the Mississippi Delta, targeting youth at the high school level.  
(Those of you parents, teachers and coaches involved in any way at High School level Physical Education, Dance, or Sport, your letters and calls to Congress in support of FIT Kids, will be especially helpful! ) 

    Dr. Oz also has a new TV Show.  It's a wonderful show with a plethora of valuable information.  As the program is syndicated, it airs at different times in different regions.  Check your local listings or click below for more information.

www.drozshow.com.  

     Despite all the attention focused on it, the global obesity/inactivity crisis continues to take a serious toll on health and finance.  As of September 2009, according to the CDC:  "Two-thirds of the (American) population is now overweight and obese, according to the CDC, and as many as 72 million adults are considered obese. In fact, obesity rates have doubled for adults and tripled for children since 1980." (HealthDay)

The World Health Organization reports:  6.5 million French, some 14.5 % of the population, are now obese. Some 45% of men and 32% of women in China are expected to be overweight by 2010. In India, by 2010, some 20% of men and 18% of women are expected to be overweight.  (AOL Daily Finance 11/09)

     Twenty years ago, Richard created the highly acclaimed Sweatin to the Oldies workout series specifically for real people, with real people, so as to show that anyone, no matter their shape, size or age, could become healthier and more fit,...... and have fun while doing it.  Millions did.

     Richard believes that this message may even more important in today's world.  It is for this reason, that he has just completed taping two brand new, updated and uplifting...  Sweatin to the Oldies 5  DVDs that will soon make their debut on the worldwide stage.

      As Richard introduces his newest workouts, he will also be  aggressively advocating on behalf of FIT Kids and Physical Education via the national media.  More specific details to follow soon.

     As we close, on behalf of Richard and Ask America, as always, thank you for your continued interest and support, and for "hanging in there".   A very Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

     Ask America

Note:  FIT Kids has lost a great friend and supporter with the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy. He will be missed.