PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Sara Kim, Program Director of Public Health Research Center at Korean Community Services
1:57:20
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118 sec
Sara Kim from Korean Community Services testified in support of Introduction 641, emphasizing the urgent need to address children's health issues in New York City. She highlighted alarming statistics on childhood obesity and diabetes, particularly among Asian Americans, and stressed the importance of nutrition education and promotion.
- Kim emphasized that 40% of NYC public school children are overweight or obese, and over 80% consume at least one sugar-sweetened beverage daily.
- She noted that for Asian Americans in NYC, diabetes is the 5th leading cause of death, with nearly half of the population experiencing diabetes or prediabetes.
- Kim urged the council to pass Intro 641, stating it would enable a culture of health in dining establishments and improve children's long-term health outcomes while reducing healthcare costs.
Sara Kim
1:57:20
Good afternoon, council chair Schuman.
1:57:23
My name is Sarah Kim.
1:57:24
I'm the program director at the Public Health Research Center at Korean Community Services.
1:57:28
Thank you for this opportunity to speak today in support of interest 641.
1:57:33
Our children's health is in crisis.
1:57:35
Alarming statistics reveal that 40% of New York City public school children are overweight or obese, and more more 80% consume at least 1 sugar sweet in a beverage daily.
1:57:48
Poor nutrition contributes to the rise of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, conditions that remain leading causes of death in New York City, with more than 30,000 deaths in 20 2022 alone.
1:58:02
For Asian Americans in New York City, diabetes is the 5th leading cause of death, with nearly half of our population experience diabetes or prediabetes.
1:58:11
A New Yorker dies every 90 minutes from diabetes related causes, while 80% of health care spending nationally goes toward treating preventable chronic conditions.
1:58:22
To achieve n I to achieve a healthy NIC goals of increasing life expectancy to 83 years and reducing diabetes related deaths by 5% by 2030, we must prioritize nutrition education and education promotion.
1:58:38
Community based organizations like Korean Community Services are key to this effort.
1:58:42
By offering culturally appropriate programs, improving access to healthy food, we can drive meaningful change.
1:58:49
Past passing intra 641 will enable a culture of health in dining establishments, making nutritious meal choices more accessible for families.
1:58:58
This bill has a potential to improve children's cognitive function, academic performance, and long term health outcomes while reducing health care costs.
1:59:08
Together, I urge I urge the council to take this crucial step toward a healthier future for our children and communities.
1:59:17
Thank you again for your leadership.
