With more than seven in ten adults in Bexar County, nearly a million people, classified as 'overweight' or 'obese,' the Metro Health District today declared diabetes and obesity two of the biggest health threats facing San Antonio in a generation, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Metro Health Director Dr. Coleen Bridger kicked off the Viva Health initiative, designed to encourage residents to eat well, as the main step to having a better quality of life.
Among the three messages the campaign will deliver:
1) Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables, every meal, every day
2) For portion control, use a smaller plate
3) Drink water, not sugary drinks.
"This is a positive way to introduce healthy eating to individuals and families, and connect it to something everyone can relate to," Bridger said. "Feeling healthy, and having the energy to pursue your passions."
Bridger said she understands that for many low income people, eating healthy food is hard, because many neighborhoods don't have access to a full service supermarket.
San Antonio was recently named one of the most obese cities in the country,
IMAGE; GETTY