Okla. Lawmaker Challenges Colleagues to be Examples of Healthy Living

As cancer and heart disease continue to be the two leading causes of death in Oklahoma, State Rep. Joe Dorman is urging legislators to set an example for living healthier lives.

Dorman plans on teaming up with the Oklahoma branches of the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society to create a “Healthy Living” competition among state legislators and staff.

“My hope is that this competition will get legislators to lead healthier lives plus motive Oklahomans to live healthier,” Dorman said . “People don’t realize how beneficial eating healthier, exercising regularly, giving up smoking and other activities can be in preventing heart disease and cancer. This fun competition can open their eyes.”

According to the Oklahoma State Board of Health, 15 percent of Oklahoma children and youth were overweight in 2004. Forty percent of the average family food budget was spent on eating out. Oklahoma also ranked third worst in the nation for including fruits and vegetables in meals and snacks.

“Obesity is the leading cause for heart disease and statistics show that heart disease is occurring at younger ages,” Dorman said . “As a legislator I want to do whatever possible to decrease obesity in Oklahoma, which will in turn decrease the numbers for heart disease and cancer.”

Dorman said the competition will set the standard for healthy living in Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Legislature’s “Healthiest House” competition begins with a member sign up in which all information required will be confidential. All House and Senate members including staff are invited to participate in this friendly competition between the House and the Senate this session to help make their lives a bit healthier.

Dorman said each Thursday morning a different YMCA director from around the state will be at the Capitol to instruct competitors on proper diet, safe exercise techniques and improving quality of life.

Participants will have their first weigh-in and basic health check provided by Brad McAdoo, the director of the Grady County YMCA.

“With the extreme health care costs burdening Oklahomans today, we need to do everything possible to help relieve the burden,” said McAdoo. “This is a great opportunity for legislators to participate in an event where they can serve as role models for all Oklahomans by encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

“I hope the legislators and staff will consider joining this competition and have some fun with this opportunity. We will be giving prizes for different categories, such as most weight loss,” said Dorman.

Source: Oklahoma House of Representatives

Topics Legislation Oklahoma