SALISBURY, N.C. (AP) -- The top health concern in Rowan County: obesity.
The Salisbury Post reported Wednesday that local health officials must submit a health assessment to North Carolina officials every four years. The county health department told the Board of Health on Tuesday that obesity is the top concern, followed by access to health care and prenatal care, minority health disparities, access to dental care, tobacco use and teen pregnancy.
An assessment team found that about a third of children and up to three-quarters of adults in Rowan County are overweight or obese.
Some reasons for the obesity include: unhealthy eating habits passed across generations; large portion sizes by fast-food restaurants; a culture of "Southern cooking;" and busy lifestyles.
The assessments must be submitted to the state by Friday.
