DURANT – March is National Nutrition Month, making it an opportune time for communities, families and individuals to eat better for improved health.

“The first step toward creating a healthier Bryan County is having families right here – our friends, neighbors and ourselves – choosing to eat better and become more active,” said Renee Wyrick Nutrition & Fitness Coordinator of Bryan County.

Created 40 years ago by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, National Nutrition Month is a worthwhile celebration because healthier eating can help Oklahomans lead stronger, more active lives.

Families and individuals can use the month as a springboard to start or build upon healthier eating habits, such as filling half of one’s plate with fruits and vegetables, and cutting back on salt and sugar.

Simple yet effective nutrition tips can be found at ShapeYourFutureOK.com, a free resource presented by the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust and Oklahoma State Department of Health that encourages Oklahomans to “eat better, move more and be tobacco free.”

The website also features links to other nutrition, fitness and tobacco control resources, including one to SuperTracker, a new online tool created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help people keep track of their own diet, calories and physical activity.

A balanced, nutritious diet can help reduce the risk of chronic and potentially fatal illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer.

“One-third of Oklahomans are obese, which makes us one of the most obese states in the country,” said Keith Reed, director of the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s Center for the Advancement of Wellness. “It’s critical that every person, business, school and community group do their part to promote better health for Oklahoma. Planning or participating in National Nutrition Month activities is a great place to start.”

Citizens also can ask local leaders to adopt policies that encourage healthier food and beverage choices in communities, schools and workplaces.

“The Bryan County Turning Point Coalition is ready to help cities, businesses, schools and afterschool programs put policies in place that will improve the health of our local residents,” said Jerry Speck. “A healthier workforce and healthier families will make our communities stronger and more attractive to new and expanding businesses.”

To learn more about programs and events concerning nutrition or how to effect change in your school, workplace or community, contact the Bryan County Turning Point Coalition at 580-924-4285 or reneewy@health.ok.gov, or visit www.ShapeYourFutureOK.com.

About the Bryan County Turning Point Coalition

Bryan County Turning Point Coalition is a Community of Excellence grantee of the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust serving Bryan County and promoting better nutrition, more physical activity and a tobacco-free lifestyle. For more information about Bryan County Turning Point Coalition contact Renee Wyrick at 580-924-4285.

About TSET

The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) serves as a partner and bridge builder for organizations working toward shaping a healthier future for all Oklahomans. TSET provides leadership at the intersections of health by working with local coalitions and initiatives across the state, by cultivating innovative and life-changing research, and by working across public and private sectors to develop, support, implement and evaluate creative strategies to take advantage of emerging opportunities to improve the public’s health. TSET – Better Lives Through Better Health. For more information visit www.tset.ok.gov.

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Get involved! Eat Better, move more and be tobacco free! Join the Bryan County Turning Point Coalition. The Coalition is devoted to make Bryan County a healthier, happier and over all better place to live. It starts here, one person, one family, one business, and one school at a time. You can help make a difference. Contact Renee Wyrick (580) 924-4285 for more information on what you can do to help improve the overall health in Bryan County.