[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15509]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      MALNUTRITION AWARENESS WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RENEE L. ELLMERS

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 30, 2015

  Mrs. ELLMERS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak 
about a hidden epidemic facing millions of Americans and their 
families. It is the epidemic of malnutrition, often unrecognized, yet 
directly impacting many of our own families and the constituents we 
serve. It increases the burden of our nation's health care costs and 
hits our elderly and minority communities especially hard according to 
a number of studies.
  For example, a 2014 study conducted by researchers at the University 
of North Carolina and the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm found that 
of older adults living at home, one of every six are malnourished when 
they enter a hospital. Other studies have shown that an additional 1 in 
3 become malnourished while in the hospital. Why is this important? 
Patients with malnutrition have been shown to potentially heal slower, 
experience longer hospital stays and be at greater risk for re-
hospitalizations and complications.
  This economic burden of disease-associated malnutrition is profound. 
One study estimates that the U.S. burden is roughly $156.7 billion per 
year--and for those aged 65+ it is estimated to be $51.3 billion per 
year. As we struggle to contain health care costs and get the most 
value for patients and our health care dollars, it seems 
counterintuitive to ignore malnutrition, particularly among our most 
vulnerable populations.
  So what can we do? A broader engagement by the healthcare community 
is the first step. The critical role of nutrition in the prevention and 
treatment of disease should have a greater emphasis in physician 
training. Malnutrition screening should become part of regular patient 
assessment. Knowing the nutrition status of patients and undertaking 
appropriate interventions are low-cost, common-sense solutions that 
will improve health outcomes and save health care dollars.
  This week of September 28 through October 2 is Malnutrition Awareness 
Week. Let's help foster a greater attention to the problem and make a 
difference through solutions that better support healthy aging among 
senior citizens across our country. Sometimes the solution is easier 
than we think.

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