[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 10]
[House]
[Page 14556]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           CHILDHOOD OBESITY

  (Mr. KELLER of Florida asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. KELLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss the 
serious problem of childhood obesity. Two out of three adults in the 
United States are overweight. One out of three children are overweight. 
Childhood obesity rates have tripled since 1980. We're now seeing 
children diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and depression.
  I approach this subject with a great deal of optimism and hope as 
someone who has lost 100 pounds over the past year. I have seen 
firsthand the power of healthy habits. As parents, experts tell us that 
there are three healthy habits our children should follow every day. 
First, never skip breakfast; second, play outside 1 hour a day; third, 
eat five servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
  The good news is that no matter what has happened in the past, all of 
our kids can enjoy healthy and happy lives in the future.

                          ____________________