Fit City Challenge Kickoff Today

TYLER — Organizations from across East Texas join hands to start Tyler’s Fit City Challenge with a kickoff event today from 9 a.m. till 1 p.m. at Bergfeld Park. According to the Northeast Texas Public Health District, “The national epidemic of obesity has drastically increased over the past few years, and Tyler is not immune.” Officials say the Fit City Challenge’s purpose is “to help combat the scourge of obesity.” According to NETPHD CEO George Roberts, “The Northeast Texas Public health District views the concurrent epidemic of obesity and sedentary lifestyles as the greatest threat to the health of Tyler. Doctors who care for children are concerned because kids being born right now are not expected to live as long as their parents.”

Roberts says the Fit City Challenge is a community-wide campaign to promote healthy, fitter lifestyles for Tyler and Smith County residents. According to Roberts, the kickoff event is designed to give community members the information they need to make healthier choices. He says the event will feature healthy activities for all ages, cooking demonstrations, guest speakers, health and nutrition information, fitness and exercise demonstrations, and health screenings.