THE FLORENCE COUNTY Health Department — in partnership with the Florence County Historical Society, the Town of Florence, county administration and The Encore on Central — has worked to develop a fitness route with prompts that include a tour of historical sites in the town of Florence. Some of those involved included, from left, Rachel Egelseer, Debbie DeMuri, Ned Cochrane, Jan Gehlhoff, Michaelene Koelsch, Florence County Health Department Health Officer Annette Seibold, Donna Selquist, Karen Wertanen and Berit Helledy.

Florence, Wis. –The Florence County Health Department is recommending a new way to get fit and explore the Town of Florence.

The department — in partnership with the Florence County Historical Society, the Town of Florence, county administration and The Encore on Central — has worked to develop a fitness route with prompts that include a tour of historical sites in the town of Florence for both residents and tourists.

The 1.3-mile loop has designated points of interest to encourage physical activity in walking from site to site.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2020 figures, adult obesity has increased from 30.5% to 42.4%, and the prevalence of severe obesity increased from 4.7% to 9.2% over the past 20 years.

Obesity prevalence for children is 13.9% among 2- to 5-year-olds, 18.4% among 6- to 11-year-olds, and 20.6% among 12- to 19-year-olds.

Florence County data shows the community is following the same nationwide trend on increasing adult obesity rates at 34%.

Those with questions or to complete a walkability survey, call the Florence County Health Department at 715-528-4837

For more information, go to the Florence County Health Department webpage at http://www.florencecountywi.com/. The Florence County Health Department is on the first floor of the courthouse in Florence.