Liz Friedlander (202) 225-1564
Liz.Friedlander@mail.house.gov

James Ryder (202) 225-0020
James.Ryder@mail.house.gov

LINCOLN, NEB. – Today, Congressman Joe Baca of California, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry, held a hearing to examine new and innovative ways to improve nutrition and wellness programs.

The subcommittee heard testimony from medical and health care professionals and from academic and non-profit representatives about new and successful approaches to address obesity, chronic illness, nutrition, wellness and prevention practices.

“With more than two-thirds of American adults either overweight or obese, poor nutrition negatively impacts the quality of life for too many Americans,” said Subcommittee Chairman Baca.  “Obesity related health spending has doubled in the past decade to reach a high of $147 billion in 2008.  We must act swiftly to create a healthier nation and lower costs, and today’s hearing was an excellent opportunity to move in this direction.  By studying innovative approaches that are working in communities across America, we can learn how to better combat this problem and lower the burden of health care costs we all share.”

“We must shift the health care paradigm in America, moving from a system that treats the symptoms of sickness and disease to one that promotes lifelong wellness and prevention for all Americans,” said Subcommittee Ranking Member Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska. “In the midst of a critical national discussion on health care, it is essential that we fully explore the potential health outcomes and cost savings of wellness strategies.  I am pleased to have hosted an official forum on this matter in Nebraska, where several businesses and organizations are successfully employing practices that improve health and save money.”

Written testimony provided by the witnesses is available on the Committee website: http://democrats-agriculture.house.gov/hearings/index.html. A full transcript of the hearing will be posted on the Committee website at a later date.

Panel I—Obesity, Chronic Illness, and Nutrition
• Dr. Michael A. Sitorius, Waldbaum Professor of Family Practice, Professor and Chair, Department of Family Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
• Ms. Amy Lazarus Yaroch, Ph.D., Executive Director, The Center for Human Nutrition, Omaha, Nebraska
• Ms. Kimberly A. Russel, President and Chief Executive Officer, BryanLGH Health System, Lincoln, Nebraska
• Ms. Pam Edwards, MBA, MS, RD, President-elect and Director, Nebraska Dietetic Association, Assistant Director of University Dining Services, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska

Panel II—Wellness and Prevention Practices
• Mr. Wayne Sensor, Chief Executive Officer, Alegent Health, Omaha, Nebraska
• Dr. Blake Williamson, Vice President and Senior Medical Director, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
• Ms. Marsha Lommel, President and Chief Executive Officer, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, Lincoln, Nebraska
• Mr. Glenn A. Fosdick, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
• Ms. LuAnn Heinen, MPP, Vice President, National Business Group on Health, and Director, Institute on the Costs and Health Effects of Obesity, Washington, D.C.

http://democrats-agriculture.house.gov

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