According to a recent study, Kentucky is ranked sixth highest in the nation in terms of obesity, and fourth highest for high blood pressure.

Frankly, those are two lists on which we had rather not be near the top.

Here in Perry County where health stats are poor, we are, however, encouraged by the work of officials in the county school district who are working to tackle the problem of childhood obesity. Perry Central, specifically, has been recognized by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation for their efforts, and we encourage every school to take heed.

The simple fact is that we are an unhealthy generation, and there’s little wonder as to why. When a cheeseburger costs 99 cents and a healthy salad costs $4.99, there’s a problem there, especially in a region where poverty is prevalent and parents are hoping to stretch their budgets.

Now we find ourselves in the midst of an ongoing crisis in which we take in too many calories and take part in not enough physical activity.

In last week’s edition, our reporter, Bailey Richards, wrote about the feasibility of a “food forest” in which a tract of land is set aside for locals to grow fruit and vegetables. We say why not? With the help of the local community foundation, which has already shown an eagerness to promote healthy habits with their Run for Hills Charity Challenge, something like this could become a reality.

There is also room for growth with local groups like the Pathfinders of Perry County, and with the local schools already on board, there is little reason why we can’t at least begin to make a dent in our obesity problem here in Perry County.

There’s an old saying that goes something like, “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” There is certainly a way, if only we can summon the will.

— The Hazard Herald