Bartow – The Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk) recognizes March is National Nutrition Month. This year’s theme, “Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle,” encourages individuals to adopt healthy choices for a healthier way of living.

 “By making small, positive dietary changes slowly over a period of time and regularly engaging in physical activities, individuals can maintain a healthy weight, reduce their risk of chronic disease, and promote overall health,” says Dr. Ulyee Choe, Director of DOH-Polk.

“A healthy lifestyle includes regular physical activity and eating a balanced diet that supplies an individual’s nutrient and energy needs,” says Suzanne Durden, Registered and Licensed Dietician for DOH-Polk. “Achieving and maintaining optimal health is not about a specific food or activity, but rather a lifelong commitment to healthy lifestyle behaviors.”

DOH-Polk encourages Polk residents to take a “Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle” by choosing to adopt one of the following healthier lifestyle habits: 

• Eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables every day
• Reduce recreational screen time to 2 hours or less each day
• Get 1  hour or more of physical activity every day
• Consume 0 sugar-sweetened drinks

To learn more about National Nutrition Month® visit www.eatright.org/nnm.

For more information about the Florida Department of Health in Polk County, visit the website at http://www.mypolkhealth.org/.