Media Release

FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: October 12, 1999
CONTACT: Andrea Vastis, RI Department of Health
401 222-1394, ext 118,  Louise C. Paiva, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island 401 729-2323 

National Expert to Speak on Childhood Obesity at Memorial

At least one in five children in the United States under age 12 is overweight. An American Academy of Pediatrics study revealed that 10 percent of 4- and 5-year-old children are too heavy for their age. And the numbers are increasing.

Chronic health problems including diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, P and growth problems in the hips and legs are more prevalent in overweight children.

To address this growing concern, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island will co- sponsor with the Rhode Island Department of Health, Division of Disease Prevention and Control, a community program entitled "Prevention and Treatment of Childhood Obesity." Guest speaker for the Thursday, October 14 program at 7:00 p.m. is nationally recognized expect William H. Dietz, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion at the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Dietz will address practical Strategies to prevent and treat obesity in children.

Past president of the North American Association for the Study of Obesity, Dr. Dietz served on the 1995 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. He is a recipient of the John Stalker Award from the American School Food Service Association for his efforts to improve school lunches. Author of over 100 scientific publications, Dr. Dietz was elected in 1998 to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences and is president of the American Society for Clinical Nutrition.

"We invite parents, grandparents, and concerned individuals who would like to learn new approaches to join us at this community event," notes Louise Paiva, director of public relations at Memorial Hospital.

The Community program on childhood obesity is free to the public. Advance registration is requested by calling 401 729-2459. Memorial is also co-sponsoring with the Department of Health a day-long conference on childhood obesity for professionals on October 15. For further information call the above numbers.

For speech or hearing impaired, 1-800-745-5555 (TTY)
Department of Health Website: www.health.state.ri.us