With childhood obesity on the rise in the United States, Carbon County is hoping to educate children on how to make better lifestyle choices that will curb this rising trend.

Last week, the county commissioners voted to declare Wednesday, May 9, as county "Pop-out" day, a day to substitute sugary drinks such as soda, sports drinks and juices for water.In the proclamation, it states, "The youth of Carbon County is one of the county's most valuable resources. One out of every five children in the United States is obese or at the risk of becoming obese. Obesity is now proven to be a direct cause of health related diseases and costs business and industry millions of dollars each year."Data has proven that there is a direct relationship between increased soft drink consumption, inactivity and overweight children. It is further understood that high sugar beverages provide limited nutritional value and should be consumed on a limited basis as per the food guide pyramid. There are other beverages available that offer nutritional advantages such as water, 100 percent fruit juices and milk."Therefore, the Carbon County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim May 9, 2012, as 'Pop-out' day in Carbon County and urge all children, their parents and the citizens of Carbon County to restrain or restrict their consumption of empty calories as in soft drinks, iced tea and sports drinks.""Pop-Out" day is part of a wellness project created by the Wellness Council.Carbon County has declared one day of the year as a day to choose healthier drink alternatives in the hopes of bringing awareness to the growing epidemic of childhood obesity.