HERKIMER and ONEIDA COUNTIES, N.Y. (WKTV) - The day before many of us prepare to gorge ourselves on Thanksgiving dinner, two local counties are joining together to fight ever-growing national and local obesity rates.

It's no coincidence that Oneida and Herkimer County leaders chose Wednesday to launch their "Maintain-Don't Gain" initiative.

It's geared toward people who are overweight and unhappy with their health and lifestyle, but don't really know where to begin to change them. Health experts in Oneida and Herkimer counties have put together exercise and nutritional information to get people on a healthier track.

Oneida County Director of Health Gayle Jones says that what's happening with children's weight is nothing short of frightening and something needs to be done about it, now.

"This is the first time that we're seeing populations of children life expectancy decreasing," Dr. Jones said. "Children are not expected to live as long, in terms of looking at life expectancy overall, and this is due to the increase in rates of chronic disease and something has to be done."

"Get Moving" is the overall theme of this new initiative in Oneida and Herkimer Counties.

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