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.

On Thursday, the county commissioners voted to declare Wednesday, May 13, as county "Pop-out" day, a day to substitute sugary drinks such as soda, sports drinks and juices forwater.Georgia Farrow, 4-H program assistant from the Penn State Extension, received the proclamation from the board and thanked them for their support. She also handed out bottles of water.The proclamation, which was read by Commissioners' Chairman Wayne Nothstein, 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 13, 2015, 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."Farrow added that Weatherly Area School District is participating in Pop-out Day because it has an active wellness council.The school asks students to sign promises to be more aware of the drinks they consume."Pop-Out" day is part of a wellness project created by the Wellness Council of America.In other matters, the commissioners voted to advertise a public notice regarding the Community Development Block Grant program. The notice is for a proposed modification for the Jim Thorpe funds. It now replaces the original project, replacing the doors at Memorial Hall with sidewalk replacement at the High Street steps. The project funding is $10,946.The board also approved a contract extension for equipment maintenance with TuWay Communications of Bethlehem for services at the 911 Communications Center. The contract is good for one year, will run from June 1 through May 31, 2016, and cost $119,718.