It's estimated the U.S. spends $147 billion a year on the treatment of obesity.
It has become one of the greatest public health threats in the country.
That's why the federal government is giving the Tucson area a lot of money to fight obesity.
You may have already seen these public service ads on KOLD that highlight local citizens. All the ads have the tag line "This is my healthy."
Pima County is one of 44 areas nationwide awarded a two-year grant. Public health officials will spend nearly $16 million in Pima County during the next two years. The money will be used on programs to educate us about the risks of getting fat, and the benefits of healthy living, eating and exercise.
You'll see promotion of more farmers markets and vegetable gardens in our homes, education in the schools and after-school programs.
But, it's not just about the kids. The programs will be brought into many of our workplaces and neighborhoods and places of worship.
The grant will mean 125 new full-time jobs for the next two years.
This is an excellent opportunity for our community to get healthy. We need to use this money wisely and it's up to us to participate and not let it go to waste.
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