For the first time in history, kids today aren't expected to live as long as their parents due, in part, to obesity. Now one local woman is doing something about it, and she's making a difference in the process.

The coordinator of the Sioux falls area growing healthy initiative, Denise Nelson, leads by example.

"We say calories in, calories out," Nelson says. "And so I stand at my computer most of the time."

In five years she has stood long enough to write grants totaling more than $150 thousand.

"I applied for this job because I knew how to write grants but then I started to research more about obesity and I could not believe the statistics that were out there."

Nearly one in three kids in Sioux Falls are obese or at risk for obesity.

That's why Nelson began marking healthy food with growing healthy stickers at supermarkets.

"We want low fat, low sugar," Nelson says.

It's also why she helped start programs like Fit Factor at the Bowden Youth Center, which motivates kids to exercise using electronic games. Because getting kids to play video games powered by exercise bikes is pretty thrilling for the woman who took a stand to make it happen.

"When I see the kids that I've helped out and that have been in some of our programs like the fit factor, it just brings tears to my eyes to see them becoming healthy and knowing that we've touched them in a way that maybe they're going to have a healthier life and maybe a better lifestyle because of Growing Healthy," Nelson says.

Whether it's a healthy guide to fast food or feeding your infant, the Growing Healthy Initiative can make a difference in your life. For more information go to www.healthysiouxfalls.org.

We all salute Denise Nelson for making a difference. If you know someone who is making a difference please e-mail us at youask@ksfy.com.