MILLEDGEVILLE — Dr. Jim Lidstone, director of Georgia College’s Center for Health and Social Issues, presented data on the grim reality of Baldwin County’s and the nation’s health as part of the Eggs & Issues series sponsored Tuesday by Bodyplex.
The obesity epidemic is largely tied to economics and socioeconomic factors, he said, a tremendous issue that will only worsen without immediate action.
“Obesity is so tied to economics,” said Lidstone. “Anything we can do to bring good quality jobs to our community is going to help all around.”
Lidstone also relayed the latest goals and efforts targeted by Live Healthy Baldwin and its supporters for combating the obesity issue.
Live Healthy Baldwin, a five-year, grand-supported effort funded through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is in its fourth year of existence. The program aims to address the obesity issue by creating greater access to healthy foods and more avenues for increased physical activity.
Baldwin County was one of just 50 communities nationwide selected for the Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities grant, which supports Live Healthy Baldwin.
The overall goal is to make the healthy choice the easy choice for all residents, said Lidstone. The impact of not making changes extends beyond personal health to the well-being of the community at-large, he said.
Baldwin County’s 31 percent obesity rate for adults places it higher than the state. Sixty-two percent of boys ages 9 to 11 and 51 percent of girls in the same age range are classified as overweight in Baldwin County.
Twenty-one percent of the county’s adult population is uninsured, compared to 11 percent nationally.
While there is no quick and easy fix to Baldwin County’s obesity epidemic, promise remains but more action is required, according to Lidstone.
“It’s going to take us a long time to get out of it,” he said.
RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled
Boeing, Airbus Battle for Sales Supremacy
NYC 911 Call Lasts for 8 Hours
Obama: US Has Helped Syrian Rebels
Afghan Forces Take Afghanistan Security Lead
Raw: 100K Protesters Flood Brazilian Streets
California Cops Cruise on Stand-up Paddle Patrol
Transgender Candidate Running in NYC
Obama: NSA Secret Data Gathering 'Transparent'
Man Who Disrupted Flight Ranted About CIA
Feds: 7-Eleven Stores Exploited Immigrants
Fla. Teen Catches Ride With Whale Shark
Iran's Rowhani Urges 'Path of Moderation'
Investigators Probe Origin of Colo. Wildfire
Ex-NFL Star Chad Johnson Out of Jail
Family Tweets Say Kim Kardashian Gives Birth
Paige Butcher Scorches on Hawaii Beach
Video: worst way to load cargo onto a plane
Never-before-seen footage of '08 Times Square bomber
WATCH IT: Lil Wayne tramples American flag
Mariah Carey Looks Beautiful in a Tiny Cut-Out Swimsuit
Out of Control Boat Throws Passengers Overboard
See Lindsay Lohan in Rehab
Sofia Vergara Posts Perky Backside Pic in Thong
Gaga Ditches Her Crazy Couture
Caught on Tape: Teacher Accused of Beating Autistic Child
"Stay Classy" Campaign Aims to Curb Binge Drinking
Sesame Street Tackling Tough Topic Parents in Jail
Miss Utah Fumbles Interview Question
Deranged man claims Newark-bound flight was poisoned
Cameron Diaz and Kate Upton Show Off Their Amazing Bikini Bodies
NBA FINALS: Spurs Win Game 5, Lead Series
Exclusive Clip: Jodi Arias: 'Dirty Little Secret'
Amphibious bus filled with tourists sinks
