Get Healthy Utah is a collaborative effort aimed at reducing obesity through improved healthy eating and active living. Nationally, nearly 17% of children and more than 30% of adults are currently considered obese — putting them at heightened risk for a wide range of health problems. In Utah, the rate among adults is slightly less (25%). However, without significant changes in our approach to addressing obesity, the rate is projected to increase to 46% by 2050. That is 1.7 million Utahns!
Currently, obesity is one of the biggest healthcare cost drivers — adding up to billions of dollars in preventable spending each year in the United States. In Utah the projected cost for diabetes could increase to $1.8 billion by 2050 if we don’t take action to reverse the trend.
According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, if we fail to change the course of the nation’s obesity epidemic, the current generation of young people may be the first in American history to live shorter, less healthy lives than their parents. No one group or organization can successfully address this problem alone. It will take the work of individuals, families, communities, faith-based groups, schools, workplaces, health systems - all of us - to build a healthy Utah. Get Healthy Utah is working to build public will, align activities, and engage Utahns as a community to improve health and quality of life.
Health education in schools is essential to improving healthy behaviors in children. In July of 2017, the Utah State Board of Education voted to update the Core Standards for Health Education for the first time since 1997. The new standards have added lessons for kindergarten through second grade and address the following six strands: Health […]
READ MORE >>
The new Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans state that, “being physically active is one of the most important actions that people of all ages can take to improve their health.” There are many benefits that start immediately after being physically active, as well as the long-term health benefits. Benefits of physical activity: growth and development […]
READ MORE >>
In this lovely holiday season, we celebrate with our family and friends the gifts and the traditions which mean so much to us. An important part of holidays is the festive food and drink. It wouldn’t be Christmas without hot chocolate, frosted cookies, roasted meats, and pies. As we enjoy these delicacies moderately, they add joy […]
READ MORE >>
