Eat. Move. Live.

A sampling of obesity in the news this week:

Wisconsin
Obesity increases risk for life-threatening illnesses
Green Bay Press-Gazette, Steve Contorno, 02/14/2011
“If recent trends continue, Wisconsin costs could as much as quadruple within the decade," said Beth Kaplan, spokesperson for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Column: Obesity prevention program launches
Wisconsin Rapids Tribune, DaNita Carlson, 02/16/2011
“When you stop to think about it, we are surrounded by things that make it easy for us to eat poorly and avoid physical activity. Unhealthy food is cheap and within arm's reach. And we have to search for opportunities to be active. The good news is that in Wood County, we're working to change that,” wrote DaNita Carlson, Wood County Health Department health educator.

Help Make this Real – Wisconsin launches on Facebook.

Nationally
(adapted from RWJF News Digest: Childhood Obesity)

Inactivity Linked to Obesity, Diabetes; Highest in South
USA Today, Mary Brophy Marcus, 02/15/2011
Southern states have the highest rates of inactivity, according to a new government survey that looked at people's physical activity county by county. The new survey by diabetes and obesity researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reflects data collected from 3,141 U.S. counties, from adults who report no physical activity or exercise outside of their jobs.

Separate Bikes-Only Lanes in Cities Cut Injury Rate: Study
HealthDay, Alan Mozes, 02/17/2011
Cyclists using special bike-only tracks that are physically separated from street traffic have fewer accidents compared to bikers pedalling alongside motor vehicles, a new study finds.

Get Your Hot Dogs, Get Your Edamame
Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Norman Draper, 02/15/2011
Can healthy snacks sell at a basketball game? Researchers in Anoka-Hennepin schools are about to find out. Using grant money from the Minnesota Department of Health's Statewide Health Improvement Plan (SHIP), they are supplying concession stands at four of the district's five high schools with healthy snacks.