As Americans continue to face startling health risks associated with poor diet and physical inactivity, Michigan recognizes September as National 5 A Day Month, embracing the theme “Energize and Mobilize – Eat Fruits, Vegetables, and Be Active.”

This initiative is meant to empower the state’s residents – both individually and collectively – to take charge of their health, said Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom, Michigan Surgeon General.

“We are mobilizing Michigan residents to take charge of their health and fight for environmental changes in the community,” Wisdom said. “If we are going to curb the obesity epidemic, we need to get energized, make better choices, and let our civic leaders and policymakers know that we want change. We want healthy foods – like fruits and vegetables – to be more accessible, and we want a safe environment to enjoy physical activity.”

Farmer’s markets and mini-markets featuring locally-grown fresh produce are popping up all over the state. Visit www.michigan.gov/mda or call 1-866-211.5973 for a location near you. In addition, many local communities are building vegetable gardens and working with local stores and restaurants to feature greater selections of fruits and vegetables.

Numerous diseases and conditions have been linked to poor diet and physical inactivity including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, the risk of suffering from these diseases may be reduced.

In 2002, less than 25 percent of Michigan adults and less than 20 percent of Michigan children ate the daily required amounts of fruits and vegetables every day. “Parents are great role models for getting kids to eat more fruits and vegetables – if children see the adults in their lives making half their plates fruits and vegetables, the kids will be more likely to follow suit,” said Diane Golzynski, Michigan 5 A Day Coordinator. “In addition, if every Michigan family spent just $10 each week on Michigan-grown produce, we would put over $37 million back into Michigan’s economy each week.”

National 5 A Day Month is the perfect time of year for the whole family to learn more about the importance of eating fruits and vegetables, and increasing physical activity. For more information, please visit http://www.michiganstepsup.org/, or the National Cancer Institute’s 5 A Day Web site at http://www.5aday.gov/.