Obesity Action Coalition Announces 2006-2008 National Board of Directors
The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is excited to announce its 2006-2008 National Board of Directors. The elected directors began serving their terms on January 1, 2006.
The OAC Board of Directors are as follows: Robin Blackstone, MD, Jim Fivecoat, Ralph L. Guatelli, RPH, Julie M. Hill-Janeway, Georgeann Mallory, RD, Paulette Massari, LCSW, CAP, CS, Melissa Parish, Christopher Still, DO, FACN, FACP and Barbara Thompson, MLS.
“We truly have an incredible board in place for the 2006-2008 terms. We are all looking forward to the knowledge and experience that each individual brings to the OAC. Majority of the directors are patients who underwent weight-loss surgery or another form of weight-loss treatment. This perspective provides the OAC and its members with an excellent patient- focused viewpoint in the obesity community,” said Joseph Nadglowski, Jr., OAC President and CEO.
For more information on the 2006-2008 OAC National Board of Directors, please visit the OAC Web site at www.obesityaction.org or contact the National Office at (800) 717-3117 or info@obesityaction.org.
Click here to view the 2006-2008 National Board of Directors
|
|
|
Welcome to the January 2006 edition of the Obesity Action Alert, OAC's free monthly electronic newsletter. The OAC hopes you find the topics discussed below educational and informative.
If you have any questions or concerns about the topics presented in this issue, please contact the OAC National Office at (800) 717-3117 or info@obesityaction.org.
|
|
|
|
|
OAC Submits Comments to Medicare on Proposed New Rules for Bariatric Surgery
|
|
On December 19, 2005, the OAC submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in response to their proposal to modify Medicare coverage of bariatric surgery to help reduce significant health risks associated with obesity that may increase morbidity and mortality among the Medicare population.
The OAC received an overwhelming response of support from its members on this subject and greatly appreciates all those who submitted their comments to CMS.
|
|
To view the OAC's comments, please visit the OAC Web site. |
|
|
Weight Loss Surgeries on the Rise
|
|
According to WebMD, the number of weight loss surgeries performed in the U.S. has grown by 450 percent from 1998 to 2002, according to a new study.
Researchers say the dramatic surge in weight loss (bariatric) surgery is due to both a rise in publicity for the obesity treatment as well as development of less-invasive, laparoscopic techniques in recent years.
|
|
To view this article at WebMD, please click here. |
|
|
OAC's Chairman's Council
|
|
The Chairman's Council is the OAC's most prestigious membership level. This level was created to allow individuals, companies and organizations to maximize the benefits of OAC membership.
By joining at a higher level of commitment, members of the Council are able to enjoy exclusive benefits while being able to get involved in the OAC's education and advocacy efforts.
The OAC wishes to thank all Chairman's Council members for showing their support this year. For more information on the OAC Chairman's Council, or to view current members, please visit the OAC Web site.
|
|
For more information, please click here. |
|
|
Fruit Sugars Might Speed Obesity
|
|
According to Health Central, fructose, the sugar found in fruit, honey and the corn-syrup sweeteners used in many processed foods, may trick the body into thinking it's hungrier than it really is, researchers report.
The findings could explain why sweet foods help boost obesity rates in the United States and elsewhere. In their studies with rats, researchers at the University of Florida identified fructose as part of a biochemical chain reaction that causes weight gain and other characteristics of metabolic syndrome, the precursor to Type 2 diabetes.
|
|
To view this article at Health Central, please click here. |
|
|
Second Issue of "OAC News" Now Available!
|
|
Contact the OAC today to order your copy of "OAC News." The second issue focuses on "The Risks of Bariatric Surgery" and features a special Patient Story, which details the life of an 11-year-old boy dealing with obesity.
In addition, this issue also discusses the "Centers of Excellence" program, which is a designated status used to recognize bariatric surgery centers for their achievement of quality resources and patient outcomes.
"OAC News" is the OAC's quarterly patient-focused publication, which discusses topics of interest for those affected by obesity and morbid obesity. If there is a topic that you would like to see covered, we encourage you to e-mail the OAC at info@obesityaction.org.
|
|
For more information on "OAC News," please click here. |
|
|
Anti-Obesity Drug Gets First Shot at Over The Counter (OTC)
|
|
According to YAHOO NEWS!, a pill that blocks some fat from being absorbed by the body could become the first prescription obesity drug to go over-the- counter.
In late January, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee will review GlaxoSmithKline's application to sell a non- prescription 60-milligram dose of orlistat, which is sold as Xenical.
Xenical has been available by prescription in a 120- milligram dose since 1999.
|
|
To view this article, please click here. |
|
|
Share Your Story with the OAC and Receive a Free Membership!
|
|
In an effort to increase nationwide awareness of obesity and morbid obesity, for a limited time, the OAC is offering a one year complimentary membership for patients who are willing to submit their personal story to the OAC about how they have been affected by obesity, morbid obesity and childhood obesity.
Membership in the OAC is on an annual basis and is accompanied with numerous benefits, such as a subscription to "OAC News," an official charter membership card/certificate, representation through advocacy and much more!
|
|
For more information on how to share your story, please click here. |
|
|
