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Community Health Disparities

Obesity is the initial focus

In 2004, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranked obesity as the number one health threat facing America. The recent increases in the prevalence of overweight and obese individuals in the United States are reflected across all ages, racial lines, ethnic groups and education levels. According the Endocrine Society, the “average” obese American is aged 50-59, Black/non-Hispanic, with less than a high school diploma. Approximately 127 million adults in the United States are overweight, and 60 million are obese. In addition, the CDC estimates that about 15 percent of U.S. children and adolescents under 18 years old are overweight.

According to a 2001 study conducted by CDC, nearly 21 percent of California citizens are obese. The study also found that nearly 69 percent of California adults do not engage in any type of physical activity. Another 2001 study, isolating Los Angeles County, found that 21 percent of students were overweight and another 19 percent were at risk for becoming overweight. I believe that the 33rd Congressional District of California is heavily impacted by the adverse health effects associated with obesity.

My priority is to bring some of the health, economic, and environmental aspects of obesity to the constituent's attention. Greater awareness, information, and economic attention about obesity will promote a happy, healthy and productive constituency in the CA 33rd.

CA 33 Community Health Disparities. The Big Three: Obesity, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Health

  1. Educate constituents of the 33rd District on the health Risks and Implications of the Big 3.
  2. Highlight greater levels of service into underserved communities.
  3. De-stigmatize the word obesity to reduce resistance for the uptake of a healthy diet and exercise.

Examples on the Planning front

  • NIEHS. This Federal Agency is poised to assist a Town Hall meeting focused on Obesity. The agency completed a well attended conference in the Fall of 2004 called "Obesity and the Built Environment."
  • CA 33rd Dietary Intervention 2005. In house agenda to put a yearlong project together—a full plan to impact dietary behavior for the holidays 2005. This district campaign is designed to alter unhealthy lifestyles in the 33rd District.
  • Coordinated focus to strengthen ties with Community Partners and utilize them in our community informational projects. The plan also features an effort to highlight and publicize the impact that these organizations are making.