Press Release

• Tweet

July 6, 2009

Free cooking classes in Bay Point teach families and teens how to eat healthy without breaking their budget.

Contra Costa Health Services, (CCHS) in partnership with the Los Medanos Community Healthcare District, is hosting cooking classes for families and teens. Participants will learn how to transform their favorite recipes into healthy recipes, how to cook on a budget and how to make their own fresh fruit drinks. All classes require pre-registration. Cooking lessons for families will take place on July 14, 21, and 28 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Teen cooking lessons will take place on August 4, 11 and 18 at the same times. Please note that space is limited.

"The classes are aimed to reduce obesity rates in the community by teaching families how to make healthier choices in the foods they eat," said Ana Villalobos, Health Educator with CCHS' Nutrition and Physical Activity Promotion Program.

The 90-minute classes will cover tips on how parents and teens can incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their daily meals.

"We know that eating at least three to five cups of fruits and vegetables a day can prevent disease and helps to keep weight down. The recipes we use in these classes are examples of how fruits and vegetables can be integrated into everyday recipes," said Andrea Menefee, Manager of the Nutrition and Physical Activity Promotion Program.

A recently released report from Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation shows about 30% of children in California ages 10-17 are obese or overweight.

"Obesity can lead to high blood pressure, chronic heart disease and type II diabetes but it can also lower self-esteem and affect relationships with peers. All this can be prevented by making healthier choices. These classes teach how," said Menefee.

To sign up for classes participants should call the NEW Kids Project voicemail recorder at 925-313-6860. More information about the classes and the NEW Kids Project is available online at www.cchealth.org

# # #