[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17344]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING THE GARLAND WELLNESS INITIATIVE

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                          HON. JEB HENSARLING

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 25, 2005

  Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize the City 
of Garland as well as the organizers and participants of the Garland 
Wellness Initiative pilot program. This innovative new program 
encourages healthy lifestyles and physical fitness in an effort to 
offset rising healthcare costs.
  For several months, 30 participants have undergone physical exams, 
blood tests, and met weekly to discuss eating habits, nutrition, 
exercise, and preventative healthcare options. As a whole, the group 
lost over 700 pounds and several applicants were able to reduce or 
eliminate diabetes and hypertension medications. The group reported 
significant reductions in their sugar consumption and a large portion 
felt an overall increase in energy.
  The Wellness Initiative pilot program proved to be a cost-efficient 
way to advocate healthy lifestyle choices. Participants in the program 
were able to see savings in their medical care drop by approximately 
$400 per person.
  Today, I also want to provide special recognition to two outstanding 
individuals, Rick French, the Benefit Manager for the City's Human 
Resource Risk Management Department, and Marcia Upson, a family nurse 
practitioner, who came together to create the Garland Wellness 
Initiative and helped make the pilot program such a tremendous success.

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