Obesity Rates Decline In New Mexico – The Associated Press
State health officials say New Mexico is one of only 14 states to report a decrease in obesity rates.
The Health Department says new data analyzed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal a decrease in the prevalence of self-reported obesity among New Mexico adults.
The data showed a 0.7 percentage point decrease in the rate of all adults reporting themselves to be obese in New Mexico last year over the same survey conducted in 2012.
The Health Department says New Mexico is one of the few states consistently showing signs of stabilizing after years of dramatic increase in obesity in the country between 1990 and 2010.
Health Secretary Retta Ward says New Mexico is moving in the right direction, but there's no question the state has more work to do.
Chevron Mining Reaches $4M Settlement – The Associated Press
Chervon Mining Inc. has reached a $4 million settlement to restore natural resources damaged as a result of hazardous substances being released at its mine in northern New Mexico.
The settlement was announced Friday by the state, the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The agreement must still be approved by a federal judge and public comment will be accepted over the next month.
The trustees plan to use the money for restoration projects at the site near Questa.
Also, 225 acres will be transferred to the federal government for conservation and natural resource protection.
Studies have shown ground water in the area has been contaminated with hazardous substances and heavy metals have been found in surface water at levels that exceed water quality standards.
Gustavo Arellano To Headline Food Conference – The Associated Press
Syndicated columnist and author Gustavo Arellano is scheduled to headline an annual food conference in Santa Fe.
The "Ask a Mexican" columnist is slated to give the FUZE.SW Sept 13. keynote speech entitled "Mexican Food's 'Dialogue' with Indigenous Foods."
This year's FUZE.SW conference from Sept. 12 to Sept. 14 will focus on the fusion between Mexican and Native American food in the American Southwest.
The conference is expected to attract chefs, food writers, chefs and food professionals from around the country.
Historians, archaeologists, anthropologists, museum curators, and folklorists also are scheduled to attend.