Governor Sam Brownback speaking at the obesity summit. (Photo by Stephen Koranda)More than 60% of Kansans are classified as overweight... or obese. Today (THUR), more than 200 people gathered at a conference in Topeka to talk about ways to change that. The keynote speaker was William Dietz, a former official with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He says no single strategy will solve the obesity problem. Still, Dietz says Kansas should look for ways to increase physical activity and make healthier food options available in schools, daycare centers and workplaces.
Dietz says communities should make sure all residents have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. He also suggested that schools and daycare programs encourage children to drink more water... and less soda pop and other sugary drinks.