Welcome to Weighing In, the STOP Obesity Alliance blog – a new addition to our redesigned Web site.
This blog is a forum developed to facilitate discussion on key topics related to obesity and obesity-related diseases. And there are many topics to discuss!
Obesity continues to plague our nation and increasingly is the gateway to chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension. Patients, health care providers, employers, labor, government and insurance providers will all continue to be affected by the tremendous burden of this epidemic. As the STOP Obesity Alliance and its Steering Committee members continue our collaboration on efforts to take on this health crisis, we will take advantage of this forum to have an open dialogue with all of you.
Key contributors to Weighing In are STOP Obesity Alliance Steering Committee members, Christine Ferguson, the STOP Obesity Alliance Director and Dr. Richard H. Carmona, the Health and Wellness Chairperson of the Alliance.
Obesity GPS: A Guide for Policy and Program Solutions
The STOP Obesity Alliance Health & Wellness Chairperson, 17th U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Richard H. Carmona, facilitated a panel discussion for the launch of the Obesity GPS - featuring the Alliance's Director, Christine Ferguson, the American Medical Group Association's Julie Sanderson-Austin, and the American Heart Association's Dr. John Ring.
American Heart Association Advocates Urge Congress to Pass Meaningful Health Reform
Many lawmakers on Capitol Hill are pledging to pass meaningful healthcare reform and increase funding for research and prevention legislation as a result of the American Heart Association’s Congressional Lobby Day — You’re the Cure on the Hill. Nearly 500 heart and stroke survivors from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C. on April 21 to ask members of Congress to step-up the fight against heart disease and stroke, our nation’s No. 1 and No. 3 killer.
Advocates attended nearly 400 meetings with lawmakers and congressional staff to seek support for several health reform priorities including adequate, affordable and accessible healthcare for all Americans; preventative care for illnesses including obesity-related diseases; and workplace wellness programs. In addition, advocates asked for increased funding for research and prevention programs through the National Institutes of Health and the CDC’s Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention program to provide more states with resources to address chronic disease risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity.
Numerous interactive workshops were offered to advocates to network and learn more about innovative grassroots strategies, the legislative process, effective media outreach, CPR training and youth advocacy tactics. The association also recognized Congressional members and volunteers including Senators Max Baucus (D-MT) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) for their leadership on healthcare reform and research and prevention funding.
The association’s presence on Capitol Hill made a strong impact this year. Efforts were amplified by You’re the Cure advocates back in their home states who delivered thousands of emails, faxes, and phone calls to the Hill.
To view video highlights of Lobby Day, see below or be sure to visit the American Heart Association’s Advocacy YouTube Channel. To hear advocates’ experiences and personal stories, please visit the You’re the Cure Blog.
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