A Damariscotta physician told the town selectmen Wednesday that poor nutrition and lack of activity could cause many members of the current generation of children to die before their parents.
Dr. Tim Goltz, the town’s health officer said during a 20-minute presentation, that studies show 33 percent of Maine’s children and 61.5 percent of adults are overweight.
“This is not a matter of appearances or esthetics,” he said. “It is a serious health and economic matter,” he said.
Goltz linked obesity to diabetes, cancer, stroke, and arthritis.
Obesity is a matter of mathematics, he said. You gain weight when you take in more calories than you burn, he said.
He suggested the selectmen encourage schools to serve healthy food and eliminate things like soda and candy, encourage exercise by building sidewalks and bike paths, and support farmers’ markets.
“This can be done. We can encourage preventative measures,” he said.
Selectman Vicki Pinkham noted schools no longer teach cooking programs that feature healthy menus. “Some folks don’t know how to cook good food,” she said.
Town manager Greg Zinser told the board that the town is moving forward with plans to install sidewalks along Bus. Rt. 1 as the state transportation department has already completed extensive engineering and design.
The Damariscotta Planning Advisory Committee is considering transportation improvement recommendations for improved sidewalks and bike paths.
Steve O’Bryan, the town’s civil emergency management officer, delivered an updated plan covering possible disaster situations. The document includes recommendations from the police, fire, ambulance service, hospital, schools and other agencies.
Town officials came together to create a disaster plan following the near destruction of New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina.
“It is like an umbrella. You hope you never need it,” said Dick McLean, the chairman of the body.
The board also appointed new members of the Damariscotta Planning Advisory Committee. They are Nick Buck of Newcastle and John Capen and Jean Moon. Current members, Dave Wilbur and Jack Spinner were reappointed to a second three-year term.
The DPAC committee has elected Roberta Mayer to replace Steven Hufnagel who resigned when he accepted the job as the executive director of the Damariscotta River Association. George Parker was elected as vice chairman.
