[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 134 (Thursday, December 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2111-E2112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            HOOKED ON HEALTH

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2006

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
work of the Southwest Georgia Public Health District's Hooked on Health 
campaign. Today, many in my home state of Georgia are suffering from 
poor health. One in four adults is obese and only two in five adults in 
Georgia are regularly active. Poor health choices put all of our 
communities at risk for major health problems, like cardiovascular 
disease. The growing rates of obesity and inactivity will continue to 
impact our communities if we do not take action to reverse these 
trends.
  There are simple, yet highly effective, solutions to this growing 
health crisis. Under the leadership of the District Health Director, 
Dr. Jacqueline H. Grant, MD, the Public Health District in Southwest 
Georgia launched the Hooked on Health wellness campaign in January 2006 
to address three major health priorities: promoting healthy lifestyles, 
reducing health disparities, and engaging community and educational 
partners in these efforts.

[[Page E2112]]

Hooked on Health approaches these priorities through a campaign model 
designed to increase physical activity, improve nutritional choices, 
and reduce tobacco use and lower stress.
  The campaign brings in motivational speakers and introduces wellness 
activities and incentives from community partners, such as reduced fees 
at health clubs and health screenings. Hooked on Health has modeled 
this program to community partners representing local businesses, 
hospitals, school systems, government and nonprofits.
  The success of the campaign in its first year shows that an 
investment in healthy choices makes an important impact. After just 8 
months, the wellness campaign teams reported: 1,029 pounds lost, 13 
improved lipid profiles, 21 hypertensive employees met blood pressure 
goals, four diabetics improved Hg A1C (a glucose control measure), one 
smoker quit and two decreased, and 88 percent are still engaged.
  Jim Pericaud, a Public Health employee who participated in the Hooked 
on Health campaign, reported, ``I started riding my bike to work last 
July. I ride to work 2 to 3 days a week. My wife has encouraged healthy 
eating by preparing meals of lean meats, fish and vegetables. I also do 
weight training. I have lost 15 pounds since July and I feel great!''
  I appreciate the opportunity to discuss the challenges facing our 
country's overall health and to highlight the solutions promoted 
through Hooked on Health in southwest Georgia as a model for employers, 
school systems and community groups across the country.

                          ____________________