I believe that one of the biggest health care threats facing our children today is the growing trend of obesity. Too often these days, parents are so busy trying to earn a living and put food on the table that they aren’t able to give a great deal of thought into what exactly goes on that table. Pre-prepared, quick-to-cook meals, often high in fat, cholesterol and sodium, have become an increasingly bigger presence in the lives of our children. Moreover, as video games and the internet continue to increase their appeal, many of our kids simply aren’t getting the exercise they need to stay fit and healthy. The end result is a generation of obese kids who can look forward to a future of being at increased risk for developing diabetes, strokes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and kidney and gallbladder disease. In addition, obesity may also increase the risk for some types of cancer and it is a definite risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis and sleep apnea.

It is tremendously important to me that our Hoosier children grow up to lead long and healthy lives. H.R. 1163 seeks to reverse our national slide towards obesity by requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a national strategy to reduce childhood obesity and authorizing a series of grants to local educational agencies to reduce childhood obesity by adopting wellness policies and anti-obesity initiatives. Substantial evidence shows that public health risks can be reduced through increased public awareness and community involvement. We have seen Public education campaigns successfully help to reduce youth smoking, and I am hopeful that they can do the same with obesity. The "Stop Obesity in Schools Act of 2007" is an important step in the right direction.