Tuesday, August 28, 2012

UDOH Launches New Website to Combat Obesity

(Salt Lake City, UT) – With nearly 60% of Utah adults overweight or obese, the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) Physical Activity, Nutrition & Obesity (PANO) Program has launched a new website, www.choosehealth.utah.gov, to help individuals and families choose healthy options.

The website contains sections for families, schools, health care providers, and businesses that provide tools and information on general health, fitness, and obesity prevention.  The goal is to support Utahns in moving more and eating healthier through changes in their schools, communities, worksites, and in health care settings.
A key feature of the website allows individuals to search a resource list by county or ZIP code to find information on local gyms, community farms, obesity-related conditions, and many other health resources. 
PANO staff say the site is a particularly good resource for parents with children heading back to school. Because research shows parents and caregivers are the primary influences on children, the site provides nutrition and exercise recommendations, and information on numerous school programs to help encourage healthy lifestyles among children during school hours.
“The site gives Utahns critical tools and advice to make those healthy changes in their lives,” said Rebecca Fronberg, PANO Program Manager. “We hope it will help families take steps toward better health.” 
Obesity is a public health priority because of its associated risk with many other chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.
For more information, visit: www.choosehealth.utah.gov.
Media Contact:
Melanie Wallentine
Physical Activity, Nutrition & Obesity (PANO) Program
801-538-6514

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