[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 118 (Tuesday, September 10, 2013)]
[House]
[Pages H5440-H5441]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
NATIONAL CHILDHOOD OBESITY AWARENESS MONTH
(Ms. FUDGE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute.)
[[Page H5441]]
Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, this week, I will reintroduce a resolution
recognizing September as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.
September marks an opportunity for Congress to raise awareness of the
issue while also discussing ways we can engage our families and
communities on how best to curb this unhealthy trend.
Over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates in the United
States have tripled. Today, nearly one in three children are overweight
or obese. These numbers are even higher in minority communities, where
nearly 40 percent of African American and Hispanic children are
overweight. Children today experience a different lifestyle from 30
years ago, when kids ate less and exercised more.
Many groups have stepped up to the plate to improve nutrition and
physical activity for our children. Community partners like the
Campaign to End Obesity, Cheer for a Healthier America, YWCA, and
HealthCorps have taken the charge to achieve the healthiest lives we
can give them.
Let us use the month of September to elevate the issue of childhood
obesity and recognize our community partners.
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