DURANT March is National Nutrition Month, making it an opportune time for communities, families and individuals to eat better for improved health.

The first step toward creating a healthier Bryan County is having families right here our friends, neighbors and ourselves choosing to eat better and become more active, said Renee Wyrick Nutrition & Fitness Coordinator of Bryan County.

Created 40 years ago by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, National Nutrition Month is a worthwhile celebration because healthier eating can help Oklahomans lead stronger, more active lives.

Families and individuals can use the month as a springboard to start or build upon healthier eating habits, such as filling half of ones plate with fruits and vegetables, and cutting back on salt and sugar.

Simple yet effective nutrition tips can be found at ShapeYourFutureOK.com, a free resource presented by the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust and Oklahoma State Department of Health that encourages Oklahomans to eat better, move more and be tobacco free.

The website also features links to other nutrition, fitness and tobacco control resources, including one to SuperTracker, a new online tool created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help people keep track of their own diet, calories and physical activity.

A balanced, nutritious diet can help reduce the risk of chronic and potentially fatal illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer.

One-third of Oklahomans are obese, which makes us one of the most obese states in the country, said Keith Reed, director of the Oklahoma State Department of Healths Center for the Advancement of Wellness. Its critical that every person, business, school and community group do their part to promote better health for Oklahoma. Planning or participating in National Nutrition Month activities is a great place to start.

Citizens also can ask local leaders to adopt policies that encourage healthier food and beverage choices in communities, schools and workplaces.

The Bryan County Turning Point Coalition is ready to help cities, businesses, schools and afterschool programs put policies in place that will improve the health of our local residents, said Jerry Speck. A healthier workforce and healthier families will make our communities stronger and more attractive to new and expanding businesses.

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Bryan County to celebrate National Nutrition Month