August 31st, 2010

Reports the York Daily Record:

In some places, 30 miles are all that separate York and Chester counties.

But according to 2009 data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, one in four York County residents is considered obese, compared to only 18 percent of people in Chester County.

Chester County’s obesity rate ranks among the healthiest in the state. York’s is one of the worst.

But both counties were built on agricultural traditions. Both have ample green space occupied by a well-established park system. Both have plentiful farmer’s markets and roadside stands offering fresh fruits and vegetables.

So what is Chester County doing that we aren’t?

The Chester County Health Department is one of the few tangible differences. The department, which recently celebrated its 41st anniversary, has geared up its anti-obesity programs in recent years to combat not just a local problem but a nationwide epidemic, said Margaret Rivello, department director.

Find out more.