[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1616]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE EFFORTS OF NEMOURS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL TO ADDRESS 
                           CHILDHOOD OBESITY

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                          HON. DANIEL WEBSTER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 21, 2012

  Mr. WEBSTER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize that September is 
National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Childhood obesity is 
increasingly becoming a national issue, affecting children ages 6 to 
11. Recent studies indicate that more than one-third of America's 
children and adolescents are overweight. Childhood obesity has been 
linked to earlier and increased risks that the child will develop 
conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and 
even cancer. National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month is an important 
opportunity to highlight the progress that has been made thus far, as 
well as to inspire continued efforts toward building a better future 
for the next generation.
  In order to address these growing issues, children's hospitals across 
the nation have made it a priority to educate families about the 
importance of a healthy diet and fitness routine, and highlight the 
consequences if proper nutrition is disregarded. I am pleased to 
acknowledge that in October 2012, Central Florida will welcome a new 
pediatric care hospital, Nemours Children's Hospital. Nemours is a non-
profit children's medical hospital devoted to the advancement of 
pediatric healthcare and research. Nemours Children's Hospital has 
created the ``Center for Integrative Pediatric Obesity Care'' to help 
research and prevent childhood obesity. Not only does this Center 
conduct research and provide medical care to obese and overweight 
children, but they also plan to engage in community outreach programs 
to help parents and caregivers create healthier environments for 
children.
  The community and families of Central Florida are blessed to have a 
committed pediatric medical center such as Nemours. I commend Nemours 
Children's Hospital and children's hospitals across the nation for the 
measures they are undertaking to combat obesity and strengthen the 
future of America's children.

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