Aug

17

(Childhood Obesity News) VELA ISLAS-HOOKER: New law helps Valley reduce obesity rates - Fresno Bee (subscription)

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A study by the Central Valley Health Policy Institute at California State University, Fresno found the percentage of overweight and obese adults in the region exceeded the statewide average and was four times that of the national initiative, Healthy People 2010, measure. The study found that 65% of adults, ages 18 to 64, and 63% of Valley residents 65 and older were overweight and obese, compared with 56. The harsh reality is that we have become a society on the go, where home-cooked meals are disappearing, and many individuals and families have turned to fast-food restaurants to satisfy their hunger needs. California’s new trans fat law and a current menu labeling bill have great potential in stemming the region’s and state’s obesity epidemic and can help turn the tide for children who face what we call “older diseases” (obesity, asthma, diabetes). The program has brought together statewide and community partners to improve access to healthy, affordable foods and safe physical activity environments in Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tulare counties. As the regional program coordinator, I encourage youth and adults to voice their concerns about the challenges of healthy food access and barriers to physical activity. Read Childhood Obesity

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