Senator Bo Watson, chairman of the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee, has been named co-chairman of the new Wellness Caucus created by members of the Tennessee General Assembly in conjunction with the Governor’s Foundation for Health and Wellness.
“From my career in the healthcare industry to serving on the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, I witness firsthand the effects of adverse health conditions and chronic illnesses have on Tennesseans,” said Senator Watson. “We all have a role in improving the health of our state. I look forward to Co-Chairing the Wellness Caucus and collaborating with other members of the General Assembly and communities across the state to find solutions for a healthier Tennessee.”
Although Nashville’s economy may be dominated by health care, Tennessee continues to fall among the nation’s 10 worst states in overall health rankings. In Tennessee, one in four adults smokes, and one in five high school students uses tobacco. The rate of obesity has risen to almost 34 percent from only 10 percent in 1988. Type-2 diabetes and high blood pressure are at epidemic levels.
The caucus consists of 39 members from both the Senate and House who will be focused on studying and developing solutions to the health and wellness issues facing Tennesseans.
For more information about the Governor’s Foundation for Health & Wellness, visit http://healthierTN.com.