U.S. Chamber Commends First Lady's Healthy Kids Initiative

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today commended the launch of the First Lady's "Healthy Kids Initiative," which focuses on the growing epidemic of childhood obesity. Chronic diseases and obesity are major contributors to rising health care costs and the worsening health status of children and adults.

"We applaud First Lady Michelle Obama for this private and public collaboration to address the troubling rise of childhood obesity and to promote healthy lifestyles at a young age," said R. Bruce Josten, executive vice president of Government Affairs for the Chamber. "We look forward to promoting the goals of this effort to our members who have broad reach within their local communities. Beyond our common interest in the health of our nation's children, as one of the largest providers of health insurance, employers have a vested interest in changing habits and behavior that will lead to healthier lifestyles and healthy living."

As one of the largest providers of health care coverage, employers offer the potential to exert transformative leadership, which is why the Chamber has focused on the issues of wellness and disease management for a number of years.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

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