Remember Phys. Ed? Or recess? You know, that chance to run around during the school day and burn off steam -- and calories?

Well, Congress seems to have been doing some remembering too.

During the last two weeks, Congress heard quite a lot about childhood obesity. The Senate HELP committee had not just one, but two hearings. Doctors, public health experts, economists, and community activists substantiated the fact that one in three of America's children can be defined as obese, and described the immense economic and logistical burden this will place on our already strained health system. On a more encouraging note, several witnesses described initiatives where these challenges are being successfully addressed. For example, the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA has added more subsidized after-school programs that encourage physical activity; provided a service that lets people order fresh fruit from their local YMCA; and have "Y" board members get involved with local building commissions and school boards—getting their communities to recognize the value of sidewalks and P.E.

These hearings were followed-up by a House Committee on Education and Labor hearing. Richard Simmons—the fitness guru himself, part of the day in a suit, part of the day in red, white, and blue rhinestones (read TNR's take on his congressional workout here)—testified for the widespread reinstatement of physical education as a mandatory part of all public education (many programs have been lost to No Child Left Behind or other initiatives aimed at beefing up academic basics even if that means bulking up the students ). Simmons has been working with Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) (who spoke at our Medicare event last week) and others in Congress to stress the value of simple play. American children aren't moving!

The New York Times over the weekend reported on the startling number of children who are now taking adult medications for obesity linked conditions such as type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and acid reflux. ( A couple of bloggers, however, thought the Times' math was a bit soft around the middle).

We too have written before on this growing problem—its complexities and severity—and perhaps now Congress is starting to take note. Childhood obesity is a marker for obesity and chronic disease in adulthood; an expensive and deadly prospect. Having gym class as part of a well- balanced education, might literally save a generation. Then they too can "Sweat to the Oldies" long into the future.