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The

has approved a preliminary

that would require schools to build in 30 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity into the school day, in addition to physical education classes.

The proposal also requires schools to get the junk food out of schools by establishing baseline nutritional standards for foods sold in vending machines and through fundraisers.

The increased emphasis on nutritional foods and physical activity requirements stem from concern about the growing childhood obesity epidemic in Pennsylvania and the associated health problems related to it.

State Health Secretary Everette James said he has reviewed other states' nutritional and physical education requirements and said this proposal, if enacted, would put Pennsylvania's among the strongest. "The research is clear: young people need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day," said State Board of Education Chairman Joe Torsella. "With children spending nearly one-third to one-half of their waking hours in school each day, we have an obligation to meet them halfway on a critical public health goal."

The Pennsylvania School Boards Association voiced concern about trying to squeeze that activity into the already packed school day. But some school officials indicated if increased physical activity is made a priority, schools find a way to make the time - before school, after school, during the lunch break, study halls and even as part of other classes.