Tom Harkin: “my amendment concerns transportation enhancement projects, and the need to promote physical activity and healthy…”

“my amendment concerns transportation enhancement projects, and the need to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles. In particular, my amendment gives priority to transportation enhancement projects that include a coordinated physical activity plan. Over the last 20 years, new public health threats have emerged-- obesity and the chronic diseases associated with poor nutrition and lack of physical activity. In fact, chronic diseases now account for 75 percent of our Nation's $1 trillion annual health care costs. The health statistics on obesity are staggering. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two-thirds of Americans over overweight or obese, and the rates of obesity have doubled in children and tripled among teenagers since 1980. Obesity also increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, several kinds of cancer, and other health problems. Approximately 300,000 deaths a year in the United States are associated with obesity and being overweight. Spiraling rates of obesity don't just affect individuals, they place a burden on the average taxpayer and on the Federal Government. The U.S. Surgeon General estimates that obesity costs the Nation $117 billion a year in health care and related costs. Physical activity alone costs over $75 billion per year. There is no single solution to the problem of obesity and overweight. This is a complex problem, and it must be addressed creatively and comprehensively.”