Health poll cites obesity, youth tobacco as problems in Fond du Lac County

A recent public opinion poll on healthy living indicates that childhood obesity and tobacco use by youth are ongoing problems in Fond du Lac County.

The purpose of the poll funded by the Centers for Disease Control’s Community Transformation Grant initiative and Transform Wisconsin, was to evaluate public support for county and regional efforts to promote healthier places to live, work and play. The poll was conducted by Live54218, 5 Counties for Tobacco-Free Living, Healthiest Manitowoc County, Community Action for Health Living, Shawano Pathways, and re: THINK!.

Among the Fond du Lac County findings:

• 93 percent of those surveyed favor taking steps to ensure kids can walk or bike to school.

• 90 percent think childhood obesity is a serious problem in Wisconsin.

• 83 percent favor schools buying local fruits and vegetables.

• 78 percent support funding for tobacco prevention.

• 71 percent agree youth tobacco is a concern.

Fond du Lac’s coalition has been working with local property managers to explain the benefits of apartments going smoke free and offering assistance with smoke-free signs and advertising.

There was significant agreement about the need to protect kids by investing in tobacco prevention, promoting tax parity that ensures flavored tobacco products are taxed at similar rates as cigarettes, and expanding smoke-free environments, according to a press release from the surveying groups.

In all counties surveyed, a majority of respondents also agreed that schools, community groups and local health departments should be major players in the battle against childhood obesity.

The poll was funded by the Centers for Disease Control’s Community Transformation Grant initiative and Transform Wisconsin.

Source: http://www.fdlreporter.com/article/20130919/FON0101/309190134/Health-poll-cites-obesity-youth-tobacco-problems-Fond-du-Lac-County?nclick_check=1