Burlington Free Press
Published: Thursday, January 3, 2008
By Nancy Remsen
Free Press Staff Writer
Gov. Jim Douglas wants to beef up local efforts to curb obesity by adding prevention specialists in each of the 12 district offices of the Department of Health and by boosting funding for grants that help communities with "promising prevention activities."
"Obesity is a major contributor to more than 15 chronic conditions," she said. According to the state Health Department, more than $140 million in annual medical expenses in Vermont can be attributed to adult obesity.
The governor's obesity plan builds on two earlier initiatives -- the Blueprint for Health, which emphasizes management of chronic illnesses to avoid their costly consequences; and the Fit and Healthy Kids program, which promotes physical activities to combat childhood obesity.