The Virginian-Pilot: Program aims to improve the wellness of the city's residents

Portsmouth isn't the healthiest city around. The city recently ranked 118th of 132 places in Virginia, according to a County Health Rankings study.

Rates of stroke, heart attack and obesity are higher here than in many other Virginia communities, according to Amy Paulson, director of Eastern Virginia Medical School's Consortium for Infant and Child Health.

To help turn the tide, the city recently kicked off "Healthy Portsmouth," a community initiative where citizens brainstorm ways to improve public wellness.