New nutrition labels help consumers make
healthier choices
  • More than half of Mesa County
    residents are overweight or obese. Healthy eating habits can contribute to
    weight loss.
  • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
    (FDA) has changed processed food nutrition labels to help consumers make
    healthier choices, which can improve eating habits.
  • The new labels feature:
    • More realistic serving sizes in
      larger, bolder type.
    • Calories in larger type.
    • Updated daily values of fats,
      cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, fiber, sugar and protein.
    • Added sugar versus natural sugar, in
      an effort to help consumers monitor and limit added sugar intake.
    • A change in required nutrients, featuring
      those Americans often don’t always get enough of such as iron, calcium, vitamin
      D and potassium.
  • Often times, the healthiest foods
    don’t need labels, like fruits and vegetables.
  • For more information on the changes,
    click here.

Pedestrian and bicycle safety
  • Warmer weather means an increase in
    pedestrian and cyclist traffic in Mesa County.
  • Every two hours, a pedestrian dies in
    a traffic crash in the U.S. and thousands more are injured every day.
    Pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be
    killed in a car crash.
  • Stay
    safe while walking and cycling:
    • Increase visibility at night by
      carrying a flashlight or wearing reflective clothing.
    • Cross streets at designated crosswalks
      or intersections.
    • Use the sidewalk when walking. If no
      sidewalk exists, walk on the shoulder of the road, facing traffic.
    • Cyclists should use bike lanes
      whenever possible, and ride WITH the
      flow of traffic.
    • All pedestrians, cyclists and drivers
      should obey all traffic laws.
  • Be
    an alert, safe driver:
    • Be extra cautious in areas where children
      may be present, like school zones, parks and playgrounds.
    • Slow down for crosswalks as you
      approach.
    • Stay alert for pedestrians in parking
      lots.
    • Be aware of bike lanes.
  • Mesa County can be a healthy and safe
    place to walk and bike. Be a courteous and observant driver, pedestrian or
    bicyclist.