Prader-Willi Syndrome Association Annual Awareness Week Kicks off Nationwide April 24 - May 1; Little-Known Syndrome Has Big Impact on Children.

To download high-resolution, print-ready JPEG images, click on the thumbnail image above.

WARNING: these images are

very large (800K+)

Click here for caption

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE:

http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=4621046

SARASOTA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 23, 2004

Obesity has fast become a public health crisis in America. According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 64 percent of Americans are overweight and 30 percent are classified obese. Much of this epidemic is a direct result of societal and behavioral conditions. But endocrine disturbances, such as Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), account for many cases of clinical obesity in children each year.

There are an estimated 15,000 children in the United States and 500,000 worldwide living with PWS, a complex endocrine syndrome characterized by growth problems but known for its key symptom - insatiable hunger - and the most common known genetic cause of life-threatening obesity in children.

The Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA) has made significant progress in improving awareness about the syndrome, which has helped increase early diagnosis from 20 percent to 50 percent in the last two years alone.

"Studies have shown that early diagnosis and intervention of PWS is a key component of proper care and, ultimately, giving these children a chance at a normal life," said Janalee Heinemann, executive director, PWSA (USA). "Effective treatments such as growth hormone and nutritional counseling can greatly improve family life for thousands around the country."

PWSA (USA) National Awareness Week, which takes place this year April 24 to May 1, will include educational projects for students and teachers; information aimed at local, state and national governments and agencies as well as directly to medical and health-related professions; and exercise awareness programs.

Because people with PWS can gain weight on far fewer calories than the average person, strict calorie control and exercise are key components to successful treatment.

Richard Simmons, the popular exercise crusader, is helping to educate children with PWS and their parents about the importance of regular exercise. Mr. Simmons has dedicated his career to encouraging those who have trouble controlling their weight.

To receive more information on Prader-Willi Syndrome or find out how you can help, call 1-800-926-4797 or contact the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA) at 5700 Midnight Pass Rd Suite 6, Sarasota, FL 34242.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

For a picture of Richard Simmons with a child who has PWS, please contact Kristie Kuhl at 212-508-9642 or [e-mail]

MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=4621046