The State : Honig Vows War on Flab

No more fatsos, vows state Superintendent of Instruction Bill Honig. Too many California students are fat and flabby and Honig wants them to shape up. In a few weeks, six school districts will be announced as participants in an experimental program that will include physical education geared more toward aerobic exercise; more classroom instruction on nutrition and fitness; expanded health tests, including tests of serum cholesterol and blood pressure; improved quality and nutrition of cafeteria food; promotion of fitness among teachers, and encouraging community and private enterprise participation. “Kids are not in shape. They weigh more than they did 10 or 15 years ago. We have attitude problems. This is going to be priority--a major part of curriculum. And it’s not just going out and playing kickball. The hallmark is comprehensiveness,” Honig said.