February 27, 2013

Carpino Fights Childhood Obesity

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HARTFORD-In light of the epidemic of Childhood Obesity across the country and in our state, State Rep. Christie Carpino (Cromwell & Portland) testified today at the legislature’s Public Health committee on her proposal to form a Childhood Obesity Task Force.

Connecticut has some very sobering childhood obesity statistics. According to a study published in 2008 by the Connecticut Department of Public Health, more than 25% of high school students are overweight.

“If we can prevent bullying, depression, and diabetes by helping a community identify opportunities to increase physical activity, I would venture to say that is a priceless rate of return on our investment,” said Rep. Carpino.

“The health problems are costly to society in terms of dollars and cents. Some studies estimate the cost of obesity-related health problems cost Connecticut $856 million in one year alone, but the impact to an individual can be devastating,” said Rep. Carpino.

The formation of a taskforce is meant to address what many parents, and the American Obesity Association, are saying about today’s children and teenagers being the most inactive generation in history.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity have outlined some of the health problems associated with obesity:

• Physical problems include high blood pressure, Type 2 Diabetes, sleep apnea, orthopedic problems, and glucose intolerance.

• Emotional problems include depression and negative body image.

• Social problems include stigma, bullying, and negative stereotyping.
The taskforce would be used to identify the state and community resources surround physical activity which can be shared with those who need or want assistance.

The American Heart Association (AHA) testified at the public hearing that they strongly support this childhood obesity taskforce proposal. The AHA said the legislature must begin to develop realistic and far reaching public policy options, and a first step is the taskforce and having the General Assembly truly consider taking up its recommendations.

The Connecticut Public Health Association submitted testimony that establishing a centralized taskforce to develop a statewide plan concerning childhood obesity is imperative.

“I was disheartened to read the testimony of a Hartford school nurse who wrote about the alarming statistics regarding the children in her school ages 3-7. She sees my proposal as a way to improve the health and quality of life for our youngest members of our community, said Carpino.