Media Release

May 21, 2009

11:45 a.m.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - County Commissioner Cynthia Moore Chestnut recently joined 200 other public officials from across the country to discuss policies to advance healthy eating and increased physical activity for America's children.

Commissioner Chestnut represented the National Association of Counties (NACo) at the Childhood Obesity Prevention Summit, held from May 7 to May 8, 2009 in Washington, D.C., hosted by Leadership for Healthy Communities (LHC). NACo is one of 11 national groups representing state and local governments and schools working in partnership with LHC to reduce childhood obesity.

"I was honored to represent the nation's counties at the Childhood Obesity Prevention Summit," Commissioner Chestnut said. "As county officials, it is critical that we work together with all stakeholders in our communities to encourage healthy eating and active lifestyles for children and families."

According to the National Association of Counties, "Nearly 33 percent of children and adolescents and about 65 percent of adults in the United States are overweight or obese. This health crisis placing them at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other serious, chronic problems. Beyond the personal health toll, overweight and obesity put added pressure on an already overburdened health care system. Studies estimate that the obesity epidemic is costing the country more than $117 billion per year in direct medical expenses and indirect costs such as reduced productivity and absenteeism."

For more information, contact Alachua County Commissioner, Cynthia Moore Chestnut at 352-264-6900.

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