Commit to be Fit
Dear Citizens of the City of Columbus,
Get ready. The city is going on a diet. After learning that more than half of Columbus adults are overweight or obese and therefore at risk for many chronic conditions including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, stroke, and, hypertension, I was encouraged to write this letter to each of you urging you to Commit to be Fit and live a healthy lifestyle.
But even more startling, the numbers are increasing each day of children that are being diagnosed with diseases linked to weight gain and obesity previously seen only in adults, such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. We are literally eating ourselves to death and taking our children with us. It is due time to face the fat and commit to be fit.
As mayor of the city that I love most it is my earnest sincerity to make it healthier. It is my challenge to each and all 23,650 of you to join me in an effort to lose 10,000 pounds immediately. It’s not going to be easy. As a matter of fact it may be one of the hardest commitments you’ll ever make. But I’ll be right there with you breaking a sweat and encouraging you. But citizens, we can do it. There is no excuse.
We have state-of-the-art walking trails, a new multi-million dollar soccer complex, several local and state parks, and miles of open space. You can even join me. I walk each morning at the Riverwalk and would love to hear about your challenges and even ideas to make the city better.
As an added bonus, I want each of you to join me on Saturday May 18 at Sim Scott Park. There we will weigh-in and meet members of the community who want to assist us on our health journey. We will have members from Mississippi Homecare, FTIO Weight Loss, Liberty Heart Center and more on hand to answer any questions and assist you with a nutrition plan to jump start our goals. Citizens, having good health is the most important thing you can do for yourself, your loved ones, and for the city. Why don’t you join me on this challenge to Commit to be Fit Columbus. Your body will love you for it. Let’s face the fat.
Robert E. Smith, Sr.
Mayor, City of Columbus
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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