Applauding the Efforts of the Florida Hospital For Children To Address Childhood Obesity

Floor Speech

* Mr. WEBSTER. Mr. Speaker, childhood obesity is on the rise. In 2010, 17% of children and adolescents, ages 2 to 19, were obese, and 32% were overweight. Not only has obesity been linked to an increased risk of developing diabetes, asthma, and heart disease, it may also cause our children to lead shorter lives. Apart from the serious individual health concerns associated with obesity, there are long-term consequences that affect society as a whole, including increased medical and disability costs and decreased work-force participation.

* To address these concerns, children's hospitals around the nation are working to educate families about nutrition and fitness. In Orlando, Florida, the Florida Hospital for Children has implemented a program called ``Healthy 100 Kids'' at the Walt Disney Pavilion. This program seeks to help children live to a healthy 100 years old by providing families with medical care, nutrition, and fitness education. There are currently 300 families in the program, many of whom are underprivileged. In the first year of the program, 60 percent of patients reduced their body mass index and lowered their cholesterol by eating more fruits and vegetables and lowering their sugar intake. I commend the efforts of the Florida Hospital for Children and children's hospitals across the nation, and the investment they are making in the health and wellbeing of our children, who are the future of America.

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