From Your Health Journal…..”A great article this week from the Grand Haven Tribune by Krystle Wagner about trimming the fat in Michigan. First, I have always been impressed with the state of Michigan and their work to help the citizens of their state lead healthy lifestyles. I have team up with the Michigan Fitness Foundation on a program I organize called Project ACES, and they actually have a half million children participate in the program through their hard efforts. Now, in Michigan, the goal of the state Department of Community Health campaign is to combat obesity and cut costs related to obesity. Participants in the MI Healthier Tomorrow campaign are asked to pledge that they’ll lose 10 percent of their body weight. I have included a link to the pledge page below. Please visit the Grand Haven Tribune to read their article and support the cause of the state department. I think they are doing wonderful things in Michigan, and support their work.”

From the article…..

Michigan health officials launched a campaign this week aimed at helping residents shed unwanted pounds.

The goal of the state Department of Community Health campaign is to combat obesity and cut costs related to obesity. Participants in the MI Healthier Tomorrow campaign are asked to pledge that they’ll lose 10 percent of their body weight.

So far, more than 5,000 Michiganders have pledged to change their bodies.

To make the pledge, click here.

While 31.7 percent of Michigan residents are obese, 25.8 percent of Ottawa County residents are considered obese. And while 35.1 percent of residents statewide are overweight, a higher percentage (36.7) of Ottawa County residents are overweight, based on the Greater Ottawa County United Way 2012 Community Assessment.

Losing weight not only impacts a person’s health positively, it also means saving money that would’ve been spent on obesity-related health costs, said Angela Minicuci, a public information officer for the Michigan Department of Community Health.

In 2008, about $3.1 billion was spent on obesity-related medical costs in Michigan. Minicuci said reducing the number of obese citizens by 10 percent could reduce related medical costs by about $357 million.

To read the full article…..Click here