Annie Bartlome

Rosalind Metcalf - Kane County

Southwest Utah Public Health Department

OBESITY: 

Obesity is a huge problem, not only locally but nationally as well. People don’t realize that there are huge risks you are putting yourself at when you choose unhealthy meals, as well as lack of exercise. Child obesity is now becoming a huge concern as well. Unhealthy adults lead to unhealthy children. 

TEEN PREGNANCY/STD’S

High school teen pregnancy rates have increased drastically over the last 20 years. Now the focus is not only teens age 17-18, but starting at the very young age of 14. Health promotion, and promotion of safe sex as well as abstinence has been instituted in the education programs at the local high school, and junior high levels. 

HEART DISEASE: 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for the last several years. This is also a huge concern for utah counties as well. Lifestyle choices are key in helping prevent heart disease. A healthy diet along with exercise can do wonders if it is promoted effectively and if people will choose to listen. 

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY(Exercise)

This is something that is often forgoten in our daily routines. It is key to maintaing a healthy life no matter your weight or metabolism. It is so important that this is one of our most promoted topics. People always seem too busy to exercise, but even 20 minutes a day can not only help you physically, but mentally as well. 

NUTRITION IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

The nutrition within the school systems is always a priority. We need to make sure that the students not only are eating healthy, but that they learn to make those choices later in their lives as well.