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Restaurant owners and community members are invited to a forum to discuss healthier menu options, portion control and how everyone can benefit from making changes. The meeting is set for 2 p.m. March 12 at the Cleveland County Health Department, 250 12th Ave. NE.

Norman Regional Health System is sponsoring the forum on behalf of the Healthy Community Coalition to address a current health crisis as more Americans are putting on weight at an alarming rate.

Nearly 60 percent of Norman residents are overweight or obese. With overweight and obesity come increasing risks for high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, hyperlipidemia and other health issues.

A panel of experts will listen to concerns, answer questions and offer suggestions.

Among the topics planned are allowing patrons to share meals or offering half orders of entrees, lower-calorie cooking methods, incorporating fruits and vegetables, putting add-ons to the side of entrees and allowing healthier substitutions.

For more information, call Norman Regional community dietitian Susan Pacific at 307-6618.