On the recordFebruary 13, 2017
I am glad to join my colleague, Congressman Markwayne Mullin today in introducing a resolution designating the week of February 13 as National Health and Wellness Coach Recognition Week. Lifestyle-related chronic diseases are causing a health crisis in this country. Chronic diseases are the leading cause of preventable deaths and disabilities, and they cost the U.S. economy more than $1 trillion per year. This crisis is so severe that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has deemed chronic disease to be ``the public health challenge of the 21st century.'' We can reduce lifestyle-related chronic disease and end this crisis, but that means improving and sustaining health-related behaviors. That is where the health coaches come in. They step in to fill the gap between healthcare provider recommendations and sustainable lifestyle changes. By helping to improve individual health and wellness, health coaches get to the root of this Nation's health crisis. I want to give my deepest thanks to the health and wellness coaches who are making the people of this Nation healthier. We should all support them in their efforts. ____________________
