LONDON, Nov 10, 2008 (UPI via COMTEX) -- British health officials say they want
to turn nine communities into "healthy towns" to encourage people to lose
weight.
Health Secretary Alan Johnson said Dudley, Halifax, Sheffield, Thetford,
Middlesbrough, Manchester, Tewkesbury, Portsmouth and Tower Hamlets in London
will share in the Change4Life program's $46 million budget, the Daily Telegraph
reported Monday.
Officials say residents may be given loyalty cards that allow them to earn
points for buying healthy food and exercising. The points could be used to buy
sports equipment or clothing, the newspaper said.
Communities will be urged to redesign their town centers to promote walking and
bicycling. Residents will also be encouraged to grow their own vegetables.
A government report last year warned that half of all people in Britain will be
obese by 2050 if urgent action is not taken, the newspaper said.
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