[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 84 (Monday, June 8, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S6251]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           CHILDHOOD OBESITY

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, please allow me to take a few minutes 
today to discuss childhood obesity, and one way in which we can prevent 
the most common diseases that face our country. Obesity is an issue 
that must be addressed--not just by the Federal Government, but by 
individuals, parents, schools, and health professionals across the 
country. Given the high cost of health care, we must all look at ways 
we can reduce the risks of obesity and the many diseases that come with 
it.
  I bring this up today because a constituent of mine made me realize 
that there is an easy and cost-effective way to address the problem. We 
all know that childhood obesity can be prevented if we motivate young 
people to eat better and exercise more. There are many fad diets, 
surgeries, strategies and pills that claim to help reduce obesity. 
Americans are always looking for the next big breakthrough, and they 
are willing to pay any price to do it easily and simply. But, nothing 
is as simple or as cost effective as helping kids learn and maintain 
the ability to do pull ups.
  Kids can immunize themselves against obesity, and they can do that by 
learning to do pull ups. It's been acknowledged that pull ups 
counteract a child's tendency to obesity. In the context of a of a four 
year study at Jefferson Elementary School in Davenport, Iowa, my 
constituent demonstrated that if you start children young, most young 
people can learn to do pull ups. And, as long as young people maintain 
the ability to do pull ups, most can naturally immunize themselves 
against obesity for a lifetime without ever having to resort to pills, 
shots, or special diets.
  Due to the rising prevalence of obesity in children and its many 
adverse health effects. Obesity has been recognized as a serious public 
health concern. The adverse health effects of obesity do not just 
include physical conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, 
sleep problems, and other life-threatening disorders. The threat of 
obesity includes emotional and psychological problems, depression and 
low self-esteem.
  Aside from doing pull-ups, we must also encourage other lessons for 
our youth. We must stress goal setting, diligence, diet, rest, and 
education. The goal is not only to beat physical obesity for life but 
also to overcome the psychological and emotional problems as a result 
of low self-esteem. Building confidence is at the heart of pulling 
people out of obesity.
  Childhood obesity is an issue we must all take seriously. I thank my 
constituent for bringing this simple solution to my attention and 
commend people like him who are concerned about the health of our 
future generations.

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