The Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services is initiating its Kick Sugar September promotion on Monday, with a goal of having residents take up the challenge of reducing the amount of sugar they consume during the entire month.

According to various health studies, excess sugar in your diet can lead to weight gain, diabetes, heart disease and bad teeth.

To learn more about the promotion and to sign up for the challenge, visit www.KickSugarSeptember.com or Facebook.com/KickSugarSeptember.

Funding for the program is made possible through the federal Community Transformation Grant the county recently received.