Survey: Ohio teens lacking on nutrition, fitness

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio teens are practicing good safety on the road, but a state survey also finds they need to work on nutrition and exercise.

The Ohio Department of Health says 83 percent of the state’s teenagers report wearing seat belts, and 79 percent say they don’t ride in vehicles with peers who have been drinking.

However, the department’s 2011 Youth Risk Behavioral Survey finds only 7.2 percent of Ohio teens follow the recommendation to eat fruits and vegetables at least twice a day. And, three out of ten report a height and weight that would define them as overweight or obese.

Health Department Director Dr. Ted Wymyslo says the state must do more to encourage youngsters to adopt healthy eating habits.

Nearly 1,450 Ohio ninth- through 12th-graders were surveyed.