Cape News

As prepared for delivery.

“Good afternoon. Thank you to the witnesses for being here today to discuss a crucial issue before us, Investing in a Healthier America: Chronic Disease Prevention and Treatment.

“Chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s cases are skyrocketing. According to the American Cancer Society, in the coming year, we’re expecting to hit a bleak milestone—the first time new cases of cancer in the US are expected to cross the 2-million mark.

“This daunting number tells me that we need to invest in technologies that will be able to catch these chronic diseases early and often.

“We have another growing crisis on our hands: the skyrocketing diabetes and obesity epidemic. Over 45 percent of our nation’s adults are obese and over 20 percent of our nation’s children are obese. For the sake of ourselves, our children, and our community, we must do better.

“In fact, we are about to eclipse 19 percent of our GDP going toward health care expenditures, while Medicare just surpassed $1 trillion for the first time in history.

“In Israel, for instance, they live 5 years longer than the average American and spend less than 8 percent of their GDP on health care. We need to learn from other nations that are prioritizing prevention and healthy living and lifestyles to ensure our country and people can live longer, healthier, and happier lives.

“The Joint Economic Committee, led by Congressman Schweikert, is taking the obesity epidemic seriously. In their recent report, the committee found that obesity will result in up to $9.1 trillion in excess medical expenditures and cause the federal government to spend $4.1 trillion over the next 10 years. Obesity-related labor productivity and supply reductions will cost up to $2.8 trillion and $11.9 trillion respectively. These numbers are staggering, and I appreciate the Joint Economic Committee for taking the time to prioritize fiscal solutions through health care innovation in this area.

“Many times it is not the fault of individuals and families that struggle with obesity. Unfortunately many Americans don’t understand what they are eating and drinking on a daily basis.

“Many families don’t have the time or resources to analyze food labeling or understand what they are really putting into their bodies. That’s why it’s critical our nation’s medical providers have the tools necessary to educate parents on nutrition's importance for them and their children.

“To bring awareness to these issues Congresswoman Gwen Moore and I recently launched the Congressional Preventive Health and Wellness Caucus. Our bipartisan group focuses on prevention Food as Medicine exercise stigma obesity’s effect on military readiness physical fitness I’d like thank Congresswoman Moore joining me this critical initiative urge my fellow members subcommittee join caucus

“The obesity epidemic has also become a national security issue According American Security Project rates among active duty servicemembers doubled past decade face growing threats adversaries across globe cannot afford unfit unhealthy military address major international dangers Shockingly according CDC just over young adults aged overweight unable serve military

“We about hear great group folks front lines tackling chronic conditions ensuring prevention main priority medical field As Senator Frist said recent article Forbes ‘we all need prioritize going back very basics food put body every day’”