Gomers: What's going wrong

FATTER YET: Iowans still rank 22nd in the nation for obesity rates. That repeat ranking from a year earlier is little comfort because our obesity rate increased from 26.7 percent of adults being obese to 27.6. Residents in other states are getting heavier, too, states the report from the Trust of America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Part of the problem may be that poorer people can't afford healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables, and their obesity rates tend to be higher. But no income group is doing well. And no state saw a decline in obesity, while 28 increased. With all the information on healthful eating and exercise readily available, perhaps our main obstacle to reversing this trends is that many of us are stubborn and essentially addicted to bad food habits - not to mention foolish aversion to getting regular physical activity.

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WETTER YET: Since 1873, when Iowa first started keeping records, average rainfall in the state has increased 19 percent - from 31.5 inches to 37.5 inches. The extra water, which we experienced again in June, is wrecking havoc with pheasant populations, access to river fishing and more runoff and erosion. Last week's dry spell was a welcome treat.