[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 188 (Thursday, December 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2217]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SUPPORT OF KAISER PERMANENTE'S INITIATIVE TO PROMOTE BREASTFEEDING AND 
                       PREVENT CHILDHOOD OBESITY

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                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2011

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of a new Kaiser Permanente 
initiative to encourage breastfeeding as an important component of 
preventing childhood obesity and promoting other health benefits. 
Kaiser is implementing a systemwide program to ensure mothers are 
provided ample breastfeeding education and support. They will track 
their successes as a measure of hospital quality.
  Research suggests breastfeeding has multiple benefits for baby and 
mother alike. Breastfed babies have a lowered risk of childhood obesity 
as well as allergies, asthma, and sudden infant death syndrome. Nursing 
reduces a mother's risk of post-partum depression, Type 2 diabetes, 
ovarian and breast cancer.
  Family- and patient-centered prevention initiatives like this will 
play an enormous role in battling America's toughest health care 
challenges. Kaiser's new breastfeeding initiative is an example of how 
a commitment to prevention can positively impact health outcomes.
  Health care in America must shift from its singular focus on treating 
disease to incorporating a strong commitment to prevention. I encourage 
other major health care providers to follow Kaiser's example.

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