ATLANTA (AP) - Gov. Nathan Deal has sworn in the newest justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia.

Georgia Court of Appeals Judge Keith Blackwell was sworn in Thursday morning in the House Chamber of the State Capitol.

Deal last month appointed the 37-year-old Blackwell to fill a vacancy left by Chief Justice George Carley. Carley's resignation as chief justice was effective Tuesday.

Blackwell had served on the Court of Appeals since he was appointed in 2010 by former Gov. Sonny Perdue. He is the 92nd justice since the court's creation in 1845.

Blackwell previously practiced civil and criminal law. He will serve on the court until 2014, when voters will decide whether to keep him on the bench for a six-year term.

By Eric King, ASLA, King Landscaping, www.EricKingLandscaping.com

Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents. Physical activity can help control weight; build lean muscle; reduce fat; promote strong bone, muscle and joint development; and decrease the risk of obesity. To grow up to a healthy weight, kids need 60 minutes of play with moderate to vigorous activity every day.

It's getting more difficult to get children to want to go outdoors. Let's Move, a nationwide effort to raise a healthier generation, says eight to 18 year-old adolescents spend an average of 7.5 hours a day using entertainment media during a typical day.

We are fortunate to live in a warm climate that provides ample opportunities for children to play outside. What we need to do is remove the obstacles that deter them from doing so.