At U.N. Conference, Thompson Urges Inactive Children to ‘Get Moving’

Speaking at the U.N. General Assembly Special Session on Children yesterday, HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson said that although the health of American children is improving, too many children are inactive and should "get moving," the AP/Las Vegas Sun reports. According to Thompson, fewer American children are living in poverty and more are receiving vaccinations against measles, mumps and tetanus. However, he said that three times as many American children are now overweight compared to two decades ago. Thompson said, "Too many American children, and children throughout the industrialized world, are inactive. And the consequences are being found in deteriorating health for many children." Thompson added, "We must get the world moving, literally. And we must begin with our children." Thompson also addressed the need to encourage "healthy behaviors and right choices for young people," including sexual abstinence (AP/Las Vegas Sun, 5/8).