Published August 29, 2005

First lady challenges state to get off duffs

healthy competition

For information on the Healthy SC Challenge, or to register your group, visit www.healthysc.gov or contact Meghan McGuire at (803) 737-2325.

By AMANDA RIDLEY

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Sanford

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Staff Writer

As obesity rates in the South rise, state leaders are working harder to encourage everyone to get healthy.

First lady Jenny Sanford is one of those leading the cause with her Health SC Challenge, which has individuals, organizations and communities throughout the state competing with others to get fit.

"It's healthy competition. Schools can challenge other schools, businesses can compete against one another and counties can challenge other counties. We can have fun while changing our lifestyles," Sanford said.

Spartanburg County ranked 23rd out of 46 counties with more than 26 percent of residents physically inactive, 62 percent overweight and 22 percent smokers.

"We all have room for improvement, and just a little can go a long way," said Healthy SC Challenge Director Meghan McGuire.

The county that achieves the highest percentage improvement in its overall health and wellness as measured by percent change in BMI, smoking rates and physical activity will be awarded the 2005-06 Healthy SC County Challenge.

The residents of the winning county will be invited to the Governor's Mansion with Gov. Mark Sanford, the first lady and Sen. Lindsey Graham in the spring of 2006.

Mrs. Sanford said healthier lifestyles also would improve the state's rising healthcare costs.

Physical inactivity costs the state more than $4.6 billion in medical care, worker's compensation and lost productivity each year -- averaging more than $1,400 per person, according to the state Department of Health and Environmental Control and the Active Living Leadership.

Sanford said she hopes that issuing the challenge in this state will spur healthier lifestyles throughout the region.

"The Southeast is less healthy than the rest of the nation. It's time to change that," Sanford said.

This week, the Trust for America's Health released a report that ranked states according to their percentage of obese adults, and Southern states were at the top of the list.

South Carolina was 10th behind Mississippi (first), Alabama (second) and West Virginia (third).

Amanda Ridley can be reached at 562-7221 or amanda.ridley@shj.com.