The Link

1/3/2011
NEBRASKA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

Nebraska Medical Association Announces Policies to Combat Childhood Obesity in Nebraska

January 3, 2011 - The Nebraska Medical Association (NMA) is leading an effort to address childhood obesity and overweight in Nebraska. The most recent state statistics show that 31.5 percent of Nebraska children are overweight or obese. The increasing numbers of obese children has led many health experts to predict that the current generation of children will be the first in our nation's history to have a shorter life than their parents. To address these startling statistics, the NMA has developed four policy recommendations which were established through meetings involving representatives from over 30 different organizations from across the state. The goal of this coalition was to establish policies that were based on strong evidence, would not increase the state budget, and were supported by a majority of those present at the meetings.

The policies are as follows:

* promote and protect breastfeeding by passing legislation that clarifies a woman's right to breastfeed anywhere she has the right to be (currently, Nebraska and Idaho are the only states without such legislation)

* support an application for a waiver to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp program) so that only milk, 100% juice, and plain water can be purchased with SNAP dollars

* develop a statewide tracking system for weight status in Nebraska school children and provide an incentive to enact the Department of Education's Coordinated School Health policy

* sponsor legislation to remove the tax-exempt status of soda and all beverages except milk, 100% juice and plain water.

Consumers can assist in these efforts by contacting their state legislator and voicing their support. For more information, including a list of supporters of these policies, visit www.nebmed.org.

The Nebraska Medical Association, founded in 1868, currently represents nearly 3,000 Nebraska physicians, students and residents. The mission of the Nebraska Medical Association is to serve physician members by advocating for the medical profession, for patients and for the health of all Nebraskans.

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(Contact: Carole Bates, Communications Director, Nebraska Medical Association, 402-474-4472)