[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 143 (Friday, September 23, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1711]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING NATIONAL CHILDHOOD OBESITY AWARENESS MONTH AND CHILDREN'S 
                               HOSPITALS

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                         HON. PATRICK J. TIBERI

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 23, 2011

  Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, there is no question that childhood obesity 
is among the most serious health problems affecting our nation's 
children. Indeed, approximately 17 percent of children and adolescents 
age 2-19 years in the United States are obese. The problem is only 
growing in magnitude, as over the past two decades, the prevalence of 
children who are obese has doubled, while the number of adolescents who 
are obese has tripled.
  As co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Childhood Obesity and 
in recognition of September as National Childhood Obesity Awareness 
Month, it is imperative that we begin to identify and promote solutions 
to the childhood obesity epidemic. One of the key places to look 
towards is the work of our children's hospitals.
  Children's hospitals across the country are working to provide unique 
solutions for both treating and preventing childhood obesity. In my 
home district, in Columbus, Ohio, Nationwide Children's Hospital has 
created programs which approach the obesity epidemic from multiple 
angles, partnering with other organizations like the YMCA and Ohio 
Healthy Weight Outcomes Coalition to help foster a multi-lateral 
approach to addressing the epidemic.
  One of these programs, the F.A.N., Fitness and Nutrition, Club was 
established in 2008 as part of Nationwide Children's Hospital's 
pediatric obesity initiative to help 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students in 
neighborhoods around the hospital experience fun activities to keep 
them fit and healthy through physical activity and education.
  This month we applaud programs like F.A.N. Club and our children's 
hospitals, which in partnership with our local communities help ensure 
that children across the nation receive the tools and education 
necessary to prevent childhood obesity.

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