SAN ANTONIO – Hoping to motivate San Antonio residents to live healthier lives, the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District on Wednesday launched Viva Health.
The new health campaign targets diabetes and obesity, which officails said are the city’s biggest health threats.
Viva Health encourages healthy habits because obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes.
"The core messages are that at least half of your plate is filled with fruits and vegetables," said Metro Health Director, Dr. Colleen Bridger. "Try to think about having a smaller plate. So perhaps think about a salad plate so that your portions are all smaller, and that you drink water instead of sugary drinks.”
Approximately 11 percent of Bexar County adults were diagnosed with diabetes in 2015, but a high rate of undiagnosed diabetes remains, officials said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of Americans with diabetes could double or possibly triple by 2050 if current lifestyle trends continue.
Viva Health uses National Nutrition Month to bring information about healthy eating habits to the city.