NYS Medical Society Supports Governor

ALBANY, NY (01/07/2009)(readMedia)-- The Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) supports governor Paterson's initiatives to enhance public health through enhanced access to primary and preventive services, increased coverage opportunities and initiatives to redress pediatric obesity.

Commenting on Governor Paterson's State of the State address today, Michael H. Rosenberg, MD, President of the Medical Society of the State of New York, said "We commend Governor Paterson for again forcefully stating his commitment to enhancing public health through initiatives designed to increase access to primary and preventive care services, expand coverage for the uninsured and initiatives to curb the incidence of childhood obesity."

"We remain supportive of the Governor's work to shape children's health behaviors through his Healthy Food/Healthy Communities Initiative and First Lady Paterson's Healthy Steps to Albany program", Dr. Rosenberg continued. "The epidemic of childhood obesity must be contained and eliminated in our lifetime."

Children across the country are becoming more overweight and obese putting them at risk for serious health concerns such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and elevated cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Through community efforts government remains uniquely positioned to model and reinforce healthful eating and exercise behaviors.

Moreover, Dr. Rosenberg stated that "the Medical Society also supports the Governor's proposal to devote more funding for primary, preventive and community-based care which will enable physicians to help their patients to control factors which may exacerbate existing conditions such as diabetes and asthma which have each reached epidemic levels in New York State."

"The Medical Society is also supportive of initiatives that will expand coverage opportunities for our uninsured as well as enhance the ability of individuals and families who currently qualify for publicly funded coverage to remain enrolled in such programs," said Dr. Rosenberg.

"New York State's physicians have been an integral part of the positive healthcare developments attained in recent memory. We are committed to a continued partnership with New York State in expanding and enhancing the availability and quality of health care services to all residents of our great state. We look forward to working with Governor Paterson and the legislature on these vitally important issues throughout this legislative session," concluded Dr. Rosenberg.

Founded in 1807, the Medical Society of the State of New York represents over 25,000 physicians, residents and medical students.

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