Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper Honored by Texas Senate
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04/20/2015
Health and fitness pioneer supports FitnessGram in Public Schools
AUSTIN – April 20, 2015 – Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper, founder of The Cooper Institute and Cooper Aerobics in Dallas, will be recognized by the Texas Senate on Tuesday, April 21 for his pioneer vision regarding obesity prevention and the use of tools such as FitnessGram in Texas public schools to help address children’s obesity rates.
FitnessGram is the national health-related fitness assessment adopted by the Presidential Youth Fitness Program and is the most widely used children's fitness assessment in the world. The program serves as a student-centered assessment, reporting and educational tool used to promote children's health-related fitness and activity levels.
From coining the word “aerobics” in The Oxford English Dictionary, to introducing “coopering” as the term for jogging in Brazil, to the removal of trans-fats from Frito-Lay products, Dr. Cooper’s message of exercising for good health has reached those both home and abroad, including Texas residents. As The Cooper Institute and Cooper Aerobics celebrate their 45th anniversary this year, much can be said about Dr. Cooper’s accomplishments in the realms of health and fitness.
“The Cooper Institute and Cooper Aerobics overall have set the pace for health and wellness, but we are still in the race to reduce cardiovascular disease and obesity through preventive medicine,” said Dr. Cooper. “It’s easier to raise a healthy child than to heal a sick adult. We believe in making small adjustments to improve the overall quality and quantity of life, both for adults and especially our children.”
Senator Jane Nelson, chairwoman of the Senate Finance Committee and author of Senate Resolution 570 recognizing Dr. Cooper and The Cooper Institute, also authored the legislation in 2007 that led to the implementation of FitnessGram in Texas public schools. "It is critically important that our children learn the value of fitness and exercise at an early age, and that they are taught the importance of physical activity in school," said Senator Nelson. "I am so grateful to Dr. Cooper and The Cooper Institute for their decades of work on behalf of children in Texas and around the world."
About Cooper Aerobics
Cooper Aerobics, pioneered by the "father of aerobics," Kenneth H. Cooper, MD, MPH, celebrates 45 years of health and wellness in 2015 along with a commemorative event on November 5, 2015 at Frontiers of Flight Museum. Dr. Cooper introduced the concept of preventive medicine in 1970 and continues to be an international authority on how to live a longer, healthier life. Through the array of services Cooper offers with its seven health and wellness companies and The Cooper Institute®, millions have been inspired to make good health a habit. For more information, call 866.906.2667 (COOP) or visit cooperaerobics.com.