Coalition Receives Funding To Establish Obesity Programs in Six Counties
Members of the Central California Public Health Partnership on Friday will discuss plans for the Central California Regional Obesity Program to reduce obesity rates in the San Joaquin Valley, the Fresno Bee reports.
The program -- a three-year, $2.6 million initiative funded by The California Endowment -- will allow Fresno, Madera, Merced, Kings, Tulare and Kern counties to develop programs that encourage more healthful lifestyles. Such programs could involve school nutrition improvements, community walking and biking trails, and farmers markets.
According to data from the California Health Interview Survey, 15.2% of adolescents ages 12 to 17 in the San Joaquin Valley are considered obese, compared with 12.4% statewide; 63.4% of adults younger than age 65 are considered obese, compared with 55.5% statewide; and 66.4% of seniors ages 65 and older are considered obese, compared with 56% statewide (Correa, Fresno Bee, 1/10).