Comment on Youth physical, mental health examined in health assessment

LIMA — As childhood obesity rates have grown in recent years, there has been concern that this will be the first generation to live less healthy and die at an earlier age than their parents. It was with this concern in mind that organizers of the 2017 Allen County Health Risk and Community Needs Assessment included young people as a focal point in its research, examining both the physical health and mental health of county residents age 18 and younger. According to the assessment, released Friday, 32 percent of young people in grades six to 12 are considered overweight or obese.