New initiative to make Chicago healthier

Federal and local health officials are launching a new partnership to promote healthy lifestyles, and Chicago is the first target city.

The goal is to get residents to eat more fruits and vegetables, to be more physically active, and to reduce or prevent high blood pressure. Poor nutrition and lack of exercise play a big role in the leading causes of death, including heart disease, cancer and strokes. The partnership announced Monday involves the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Chicago's public health department, the American Medical Association and dozens of other health-promoting groups. Over the next few months, the groups will identify the best public health programs serving Chicago residents and devise and launch new ones. Similar efforts are planned for other major U.S. cities.