[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 141 (Tuesday, September 29, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1389]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF THE MALNUTRITION EPIDEMIC

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                          HON. NORMA J. TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 29, 2015

  Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an important, but 
often unnoticed, epidemic in our country and to voice my support for 
the fight to end it. Malnutrition negatively impacts the lives of 
millions of Americans who do not have adequate access to nutritious 
food. While the symptoms can vary from hunger to obesity, one thing has 
become incredibly clear--malnutrition disproportionately affects senior 
citizens and people of color. All throughout the United States, the 
problem negatively impacts the livelihood of families and takes a toll 
on the nation's healthcare costs.
  One of the contributing factors to malnutrition in the United States 
is poverty and lack of access to healthy foods. According to the 2014 
Census, there are 46.7 million people living in poverty in our country. 
The lack of financial resources means that families often have to rely 
on cheaper foods with artificial ingredients. These foods are 
frequently high in caloric intake and do not possess the necessary 
nutritious properties to make up a healthy diet. Many health side 
effects, such as obesity, come as a result of this.
  Just as troubling is the existence of food deserts in the nation, 
which are defined as an area of land where residences have limited 
access to affordable and nutritious food. According to the United 
States Department of Agriculture, at least one food desert exists in 
every state in the nation. Millions of Americans often go hungry or 
rely on unhealthy food simply because they do not have the means to get 
to a grocery store near their home. This is an unacceptable problem, 
particularly considering that food deserts are most prevalent in poor, 
urban localities that are home to many minorities. In order to address 
the growing malnutrition epidemic in our country, we must encourage 
investments in our neighborhoods to make sure that everyone has easy 
access to nutritious foods.
  Additionally, malnutrition impacts the healthcare systems in so many 
of our communities. Recent studies have shown that one in three 
patients arrive at hospitals malnourished. Patients with malnutrition 
have been known to be more likely to suffer longer hospital stays, have 
slower healing, and be at greater risk for re-hospitalizations and 
complications. Another study found that the economic burden of disease-
associated malnutrition in the U.S. to be an estimated $156.7 billion 
per year--and for those aged 65 and older, it is estimated to be $51.3 
billion per year. These numbers make clear that nutritional status 
deserves more attention.
  A critical ingredient often lacking in malnutrition care today is 
engagement by the broader healthcare establishment. While healthcare 
providers are beginning to utilize standardized malnutrition screening, 
assessment, and appropriate interventions for older adults, more 
development in these areas are vital to leading healthier lives and 
saving on healthcare costs. We cannot afford to ignore such low-cost 
solutions.
  Focus on malnutrition care will help yield transformative policies 
for patient-centered medical care and make a meaningful difference in 
the lives of our nation's older adults. September 28 to October 2 has 
been designated as Malnutrition Awareness Week. Let us use this time as 
a call to action to increase awareness and find solutions that better 
support the healthy aging of all citizens across our communities.

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