in response to a story by national media:
 

            Huntington, West Virginia is now labeled America’s fattest and unhealthiest city according to a survey published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  How did the mayor, David Felinton, respond to such a characterization? Health is not a big local issue because, “it doesn’t come up.” According to Mr. Felinton, economic challenges are the primary focus including Huntington’s withering economy.

 

            Despite Huntington being a college town, the majority of residents are older (average age 40) and undereducated. Combine an older, less educated population with decreased access to healthy foods and activities, as well as financial means, and you have a winning recipe for weight gain and poor health status. 

 

            This latest report is somewhat of a double-edged sword. Huntington, WV is now considered the unhealthiest and fattest city in America with respect to a metropolitan comparison. These results could help accelerate the passing of health policy reformation within our state. However, the main reason many residents of Huntington and surrounding areas are “shrugging” their shoulders, is that the health problems in more rural counties in West Virginia are significantly worse.

 

            Nearly half of Huntington’s residents being classified as obese should be a wake up call for everyone. Let’s put an end to the pizza stands on nearly every corner and hope that anticipated WV health reform legislation can produce a trickle-down effect for more rural WV communities.

           

            To see how the Associated Press views the situation, visit http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gWlO5d7-EcehGGtRRM8fYmzzdgLAD94G5I5O0 .