Hooked On Health

HOOKED ON HEALTH -- (Extensions of Remarks - December 07, 2006)

* Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of the Southwest Georgia Public Health District's Hooked on Health campaign. Today, many in my home state of Georgia are suffering from poor health. One in four adults is obese and only two in five adults in Georgia are regularly active. Poor health choices put all of our communities at risk for major health problems, like cardiovascular disease. The growing rates of obesity and inactivity will continue to impact our communities if we do not take action to reverse these trends.

* There are simple, yet highly effective, solutions to this growing health crisis. Under the leadership of the District Health Director, Dr. Jacqueline H. Grant, MD, the Public Health District in Southwest Georgia launched the Hooked on Health wellness campaign in January 2006 to address three major health priorities: promoting healthy lifestyles, reducing health disparities, and engaging community and educational partners in these efforts.

Hooked on Health approaches these priorities through a campaign model designed to increase physical activity, improve nutritional choices, and reduce tobacco use and lower stress.

* The campaign brings in motivational speakers and introduces wellness activities and incentives from community partners, such as reduced fees at health clubs and health screenings. Hooked on Health has modeled this program to community partners representing local businesses, hospitals, school systems, government and nonprofits.

* The success of the campaign in its first year shows that an investment in healthy choices makes an important impact. After just 8 months, the wellness campaign teams reported: 1,029 pounds lost, 13 improved lipid profiles, 21 hypertensive employees met blood pressure goals, four diabetics improved Hg A1C (a glucose control measure), one smoker quit and two decreased, and 88 percent are still engaged.

* Jim Pericaud, a Public Health employee who participated in the Hooked on Health campaign, reported, ``I started riding my bike to work last July. I ride to work 2 to 3 days a week. My wife has encouraged healthy eating by preparing meals of lean meats, fish and vegetables. I also do weight training. I have lost 15 pounds since July and I feel great!''

* I appreciate the opportunity to discuss the challenges facing our country's overall health and to highlight the solutions promoted through Hooked on Health in southwest Georgia as a model for employers, school systems and community groups across the country.

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