[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 11]
[House]
[Page 15242]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           CHILDHOOD OBESITY

  (Mr. YARMUTH asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, we talk a lot about our different concerns 
for the future of our Nation, but there is one gravely serious threat 
that exists in every single congressional district and could cripple 
future generations and the long-term strength of our Nation.
  More than 12 million American citizens, children, 17 percent, are 
currently obese. In my home State of Kentucky, the number is even 
worse, with obesity affecting 37 percent of Kentucky kids. That's 
millions of children who are at a significantly higher risk of 
cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer, millions at risk of having 
their dreams cut short and millions who may not get the chance to 
contribute all their potential to our Nation's growth.
  I am proud to applaud the work of Kosair Children's Hospital in 
Louisville, one of dozens of children's hospitals around the U.S. 
taking new steps to educate kids about the importance of eating healthy 
and getting active. Children's hospitals are essential allies in the 
battle to stop childhood obesity.
  I urge my colleagues to support these initiatives and every effort to 
get our kids focusing on a fitter future.

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