Attendees at a conference aimed at food policy and obesity prevention among children sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health participated in mass hula-hooping. Panelist AJ Juarez, community organizer for the Massachusetts Public Health Association, said rising obesity rates among children have shortened their average life spans and increased rates of diseases traditionally associated with adults, including high cholesterol and certain types of cancer. Aside from the panelists other activities included hooping lessons for adults and children. What was the clear winner of the day though? According to The Republican it was tofu. "Most people tried it for the first time, and said: 'It's not that bad!'" The Republican