CORPUS CHRISTI -Making better choices usually means living a better life. At least, that’s the thought which drives the people who lead the It’s Your Life Foundation.IYLF is a non-profit organization funded in partnership with local businesses, as well as physicians and local, regional and national foundations. Since its beginning with a tobacco education project for children and teens in 2005, the organization has reached in excess of 70,000 young people with more than 2,000 presentations delivered in schools across South Texas.Currently, IYLF is working to expand something called iConquer, a youth-driven project designed to combat childhood obesity and diabetes – two of the biggest health threats in our area.A recent study found that South Texas has the highest percentage of people being diagnosed with diabetes in Texas. About 52% of South Texans do not get the recommended amount of exercise and 76% do not get enough fruits and vegetables. It is said that 1 in 3 children born in 2000 will develop diabetes. IYLF would like to decrease that alarming number.Citing the study, Board President Dr. Salim Surani, MD notes, “If a child is obese between the ages of 3-5 years, then they are eight times more likely to be obese during their adulthood. Since habits are formed during these critical years in a child’s life, we plan to educate them with age appropriate techniques about healthy living habits. Rather than changing habits, we plan to help ‘create’ habits.”It’s Your Life Foundation is holding its 5th Annual 5K Run/Walk at Cole Park on Saturday, May 30th, to benefit the group’s Ante Tobacco and iConquer education programs. A registration form may be found at www.VfitProductions.com. To learn more about IYLF, visit www.ItsYourLifeFoundation.org.