Rick Snyder's new health plan is not only getting praise from local health officials, but also from leaders in agriculture.
They say shrinking Michigan's waistline will expand our economy. Michigan is one of fattest states in the nation. @
"Obesity is a problem in Michigan, we are one of the heaviest states in the nation. About 12 percent of our youth are actually, clinically obese," said Beth Spyke, the director of Health and Wellness at Sparrow hospital.
She says the problem begins with us.
"It's reflective of our habits, we tend to be as a nation, sedentary and have poor eating habits and Michigan leads that curve," said Spyke.
Keith Creagh, the director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture says it's also about access to healthy foods.
"One of the programs that we'll spend more time, energy and effort on is something called Local Food Hubs and that's marrying businesses and consumers and farmers to make sure you have that integration of systems to supply food locally," said Creagh.
He says governor Snyder's recommendations are not only good for the individual, but for the state as well. @
"Overall we look at this as a great opportunity," said Creagh, "as we continue to spend money locally, 10 dollars a week puts 40 million dollars back into our local economies-- so if you can spend that on local foods, its good for both the individuals eating it and for businesses."
He says that's what will get our state fit and back to work, and maybe one day push Michigan from the list of the fattest states.
Meanwhile, not everyone is happy with the governor's new health kick. Wednesday the Michigan Chamber of Commerce responded to the governor's message on health care.
President and CEO Rich Studley, says "While we share the governor's interest in wellness and personal responsibility and will look for parts of this message to support...we are very disappointed and strongly opposed to the call for costly new health care mandates."
