Minnesota doesn’t seem like it would have much in common with New York, but they do share some common ground in the battle against obesity. According to a report published by the nonprofit organization, Trust for America’s Health, Minnesota and New York, along with Montana and Ohio, stand alone as the only four states that have seen their obesity rates decrease between 2014 and 2015. Other than the capital district of Washington, D.C., in 2010, this marks the first time in the last decade that we have seen state-wide decreases in obesity.

1. COVER SLIDE

3. Right the SHIP
Minnesota implemented a coalition consisting of medical professionals,
policymakers, educators, and other local organizations in what they coined the
Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP). The program was formed to help
ensure that healthy food and exercise is not just a part of a child’s life, but a
standard component.

5. All in the Community
Although the whole state may face an obesity issue, certain pockets of them may
not have access to what it takes to properly fight obesity. That’s why the state of
Ohio started the “Creating Healthy Communities Program.” As a part of the
program, they are increasing access to healthy foods in low­income areas where
studies have shown that obesity is more concentrated.

7. Stay in School
New York funded five schools to devise a plan that will increase the amount of
physical activity and healthy food access provided to its students to better combat
childhood obesity.

9. Product of Our Environment
In 2008, Montana was awarded four million dollars to implement what is called the
“Montana Nutrition and Physical Activity Program to Prevent Obesity and Other
Chronic Diseases.” One of the main objectives of this initiative is to create an
environment that is more conducive to leading a healthy lifestyle. That includes
“increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables; working on reducing the
consumption of sugar­sweetened beverages; encouraging families to turn off the
TV; and helping people understand the importance of caloric balance,” among
other things.

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