obesity

Kansas was once a national leader in public health. At the turn of the last century, State Health Director Samuel Crumbine championed a number of efforts to stop the spread of disease. He even pushed for the law that forces hotels to change bed sheets between guests! But today's polarized politics are now complicating current public health efforts.

Obesity rates have stabilized--but at a high level.

A group of retired generals has been touring the country, talking about health, fitness and nutrition. They're also drawing attention to the problem of obesity in America. The former officers cite a report which suggests about a third of young Americans are too fat, maing them unfit to serve in the military. And, they say, that's putting the nation's security at risk.

America has an obesity problem. And, officials say it's affecting our military readiness as a nation. A new report says nearly a third of young adults are too fat to be accepted into military service.

Here's a summary of the day's Kansas news headlines from the Associated Press.

In a battle over shelf space at grocery and convenience stores, a healthy eating program in Kansas City, Kansas offers fruits and vegetables as an alternative to junk food.

Regional headlines from the Associated Press.